By Mercy Imali
President Uhuru Kenyatta has led Kenyans in mourning Bob Collymore, Safaricom CEO. He termed him an accomplished corporate leader who steered Safaricom to a position of great admiration as East Africa’s most profitable company.
Kenyatta said in a statement, “It is with a deep sense of loss that I have received the sad news of the death of Safaricom CEO Robert (Bob) William Collymore this morning. In this moment of great sorrow, my thoughts and prayers go out to his family, relatives, friends and the staff of Safaricom.” Deputy President William Ruto described Collymore as ‘a distinguished titan, whose shrewd leadership at the helm of Safaricom was commendable’.
“Collymore was exemplary, brilliant and courageous, especially in the manner he battled cancer,” Ruto added.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga said the CEO 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.”
Industrialist Dr. Chris Chris Kirubi said the country had lost a distinguished leader who greatly contributed to national development.
“It is with deep sadness that I have learnt this morning news of the death of Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore. As a country, we’ve lost a distinguished leader who greatly contributed to national development,” he said.
Collymore, 61, has been in and out of the country for several months seeking treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia.