This archive report was first published on 2 July 2019.
On July 2, 2019, the world lost a remarkable individual in Bob Collymore, the former CEO of Safaricom. For those who knew him, his passing was a personal loss. Larry Madowo, a BBC reporter and a close friend of Bob's, is one of them.
One of the many memories Larry has of Bob is a peculiar one. During a live show of 'The Trend,' Bob needed airtime, and Larry was the one to provide it. It's a story that showcases the wit and banter that defined their friendship.
Recalling the incident, Larry took to social media to share the story, saying, 'I have hundreds of texts with Bob Collymore going back to 2011. He responded to each of the countless interview requests, banter and more recently, health updates. He lived a full, passionate life.'
Their friendship was built on a foundation of humor and mutual respect. Larry remembers a time when he called Bob after joining the BBC, and Bob answered with a witty remark, 'Hello, is this London calling?' Even in his final days, Bob's wit remained sharp.
As Larry reflects on their friendship, he recalls a lighthearted moment when Bob never paid him back Sh100. It's a small detail, but it speaks volumes about the kind of person Bob was.
