This archive report was first published on 4 July 2019.
Bob Collymore's Memorial Service ¶
On July 4, 2019, a somber memorial service was held at the All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi to honor the life of Bob Collymore, the former CEO of Safaricom who passed away on July 3, 2019.
The service was attended by top leaders, including President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto, and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, as well as business executives and friends of Collymore.
President Kenyatta spoke fondly of Collymore, describing him as one of his best friends and a man who had a lot of love for the country and the company he led.
Former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth shared a personal anecdote about their whisky moments whenever they visited Collymore at his Kitisuru home.
Acting Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph described Collymore as the strongest man he ever met, and read a poem that Collymore had given him a year ago, agreeing to read it at the funeral of whoever dies first.
Vodafone Group CEO Nick Read eulogized Collymore as a corporate leader who inspired confidence and described his 20-year career in the telecommunications sector as inspirational.
Deputy President Ruto said Kenya had lost a brilliant corporate leader, and Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua emphasized the need for Kenyans to emulate Collymore's example and embrace the culture of hard work and humility.
The service was attended by hundreds of mourners, with many more watching the proceedings on large screens outside the church.
