Uhuru, Ruto, Raila mourn exceptional Bob Collymore

President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga have expressed sorrow and shock following the death of Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore.

A statement from the telecommunications company on Monday morning said he succumbed to cancer at his home in Nairobi. He was 61.

Mr, Kenyatta remembered Mr. Collymore as “an accomplished corporate leader who steered Safaricom to a position of great admiration as East Africa’s most profitable company.”

The head of state, who appointed Mr. Collymore to the Vision 2030 Board said he will be missed.

“As a country, we’ve therefore lost a distinguished corporate leader whose contribution to our national wellbeing will be greatly missed,” said Mr. Kenyatta.

“As we mourn and pay homage to this visionary and exceptional leader, let us also remember to celebrate his life and achievements. Although Bob Collymore has left us, his inspirational life will remain a great legacy, not just to Kenyans, but also to the whole world.”

Dr. Ruto labelled Mr. Collymore as a “distinguished corporate titan”  who steered one of Africa’s biggest companies to new heights.

“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,” said the Deputy President.

“Collymore was exemplary, brilliant and courageous, especially in the manner he battled cancer. Condolences to his family, colleagues and friends. Rest In Peace.”

The former Prime Minister mourned him saying he served Kenya with “dedication.”

“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,” said Mr. Odinga.