This archive report was first published on 1 July 2019.
On July 1, 2019, Kenya lost a distinguished corporate leader when Safaricom's CEO Bob Collymore passed away at his Nairobi home. The news of his death sent shockwaves across the country, prompting an outpouring of condolences from top political leaders.
President Uhuru Kenyatta was among the first to react, describing Collymore as a 'distinguished corporate leader whose contribution to our national well-being will be missed.' In a statement shared on social media by State House, Uhuru said:
'It is with deep sadness that I have this morning received news of the death of Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore after years of battling cancer. As a country, we've lost a distinguished corporate leader whose contribution to our national well-being will be missed.'
Deputy President William Ruto also paid tribute to Collymore, describing him as a 'distinguished corporate titan whose shrewd leadership at the helm of Safaricom was commendable.' Ruto said:
'Bob Collymore was a distinguished corporate titan, whose shrewd leadership at the helm of Safaricom was commendable. He steered the company to new heights and contributed immensely to the evolution of Kenya's corporate scene.'
Opposition leader Raila Odinga remembered Collymore as a corporate leader who served the country with dedication, making Kenya Africa's communication hub. Raila said:
'My condolences go out to the friends and family of Mr Bob Collymore as well as the entire Safaricom fraternity. Bob served our country with dedication and sustained us as a communication hub in Africa. May his soul rest in eternal peace.'
Below are reactions from several other leaders:
Source: Tuko
