Sh 2.7million needed for Ayimba’s burial, hospital bill

Former Shujaa Captain and head coach Benjamin Ayimba will be laid to rest in two weeks’ time; this is according to the family led by spokesperson and former teammate Oscar Osir.

In a press briefing at the RFUEA grounds, Osir informed the public that Ayimba needs Sh2.7 million that will help offset his hospital bills and funeral expenses respectively.

According to Osir a total of 1.7 million is needed to offset the pending hospital bill at Kenyatta Hospital where Ayimba was being treated at admitted subsequently.  He passed away on Friday evening while receiving treatment for cerebral malaria.

The remaining Sh1 million will be spent on funeral arrangements, appealing to well-wishers to contribute their donations to Paybill Number 8021673 under account name Benjamin Otieno Ayimba medical.

“The Ayimba family wants to take this opportunity and thank the public led by President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for having helped raise the required amount Ayimba’s medical bills at Avenue Health Care where he was initially admitted a total of over 2.3 million was raised,” Unfortunately, we have come down to this, but it’s the will of God.” Osir said.

Last month, Ayimba’s family came out to seek help over his burgeoning medical bills, and the public responded in kind, with President Uhuru Kenyatta Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja contributing Sh1 million towards his medical kitty.

Family and friends are expected to meet each and every Tuesday and Friday from 5.30pm at the YMCA in South C, Nairobi County for the funeral arrangements.

The family is yet to decide on the exact dates with Ayimba’s first uncle Joseph Ayimba insisting clearing the hospital bills is the key focus given that KNH has already released the body for funeral arrangements.

“We have a hospital bill to clear, but we are happy and thankful KNH released the body. We have not settled yet on a date since we have relatives outside the country who would like to attend his funeral,” said Joseph, but once we agree on the dates we shall inform the public.

Once the family confirms the exact dates, a mass and candlelight vigil is expected by the rugby fraternity to pay their last respects to the rugby legend.

A candlelit vigil is an outdoor assembly of people carrying candles, held after sunset in order to show support for a specific cause.

KRU Chairman Oduor Gangla again condoled with the family of the fallen hero saying Ayimba served the country with distinction whenever called upon be it as a coach and a palyer respectively Gangla further adding a condolence book will be opened at the RFUEA grounds where the union offices are based.

On Friday, a man who gave so much to the game he so dearly loved breathed his last, bringing down the curtains on a glittering rugby career.

Ayimba will be remembered for his role in Rugby where he served as the national rugby team captain in the Kenya Sevens and 15s team respectively. However, it’s the memorable Singapore Sevens win against Fiji in 2016 that will forever be remembered by many across the globe.