This archive report was first published on 1 July 2019.
On July 1, 2019, the telecommunications industry lost a visionary leader, Bob Collymore, CEO of Safaricom, who passed away at the age of 61.
Collymore, who had been battling illness for two years, was scheduled to meet with President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House on Thursday, along with Vodafone CEO Nick Reed and Safaricom Chairman Nicholas Ng'ang'a.
Ng'ang'a described Collymore as 'ready and at peace' in his final days, and expressed the company's commitment to honoring his legacy by completing the work he was passionate about.
'It's been nine years since he joined Safaricom, leading with a vision,' Ng'ang'a said. 'Safaricom will honour him by completing the work he was passionate about.'
Ng'ang'a also acknowledged the sadness of the situation, saying 'it is sad but we have to live with reality.' He added that the board would provide a way forward later in the day, and that there would be a private meeting to discuss the takeover of Collymore's position.
Collymore leaves behind a widow, Wambui Kamiru, and four children. In a show of respect, Safaricom has changed its social media profile pictures to mourn his passing.
