This archive report was first published on 1 July 2019.
On July 1, 2019, Safaricom's website www.safaricom.co.ke and social media pages underwent a somber transformation, paying tribute to their departed CEO Bob Collymore.
Collymore passed away at his Nairobi home on July 1, 2019, after a long battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a rare form of cancer that is curable at its first stages.
Hours after his death was announced, the company's website 'went grey' with a landing page featuring a grey photo of Collymore and the message 'Rest In Peace Bob Collymore (1958-2019)'. The company also updated its social media platforms with a faded palette of grey, white, and black, replacing its trademark green, white, and red colors.
Collymore's death was announced by Safaricom Chairman Nicholas Ng'ang'a in a statement shared via email and social media.
'It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing away of Robert William Collymore CEO of Safaricom PLC which occurred at his home in the morning of 1st July 2019,' read the statement from Safaricom.
Collymore had taken a sabbatical in October 2017 to seek medical treatment in the UK for his condition. He returned to Kenya in July 2018 and resumed his duties until his death.
The burial of Collymore is scheduled to take place on July 2, 2019, just one day after his passing.
