Veteran journalist Jeff Koinange has paid a glowing tribute to the late Bob Collymore to mark six years since the former Safaricom CEO passed away.
In a heartfelt message shared on his X account on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Koinange described Collymore as a dear friend whose legacy continues to inspire.
He remembered his late friend as a man of wisdom, calmness, and purpose, someone who led with grace and touched lives through his service and conversations about fairness. Jeff noted that even though six years have passed, Bob’s light still shines.
Bob Collymore, a Guyanese-born Kenyan businessman, served as Safaricom’s Chief Executive Officer from 2010 until he died in 2019. He took over from Michael Joseph and helped grow the telecommunications company.
“My Brother, my Friend, BC Six years on, and your light still shines. We miss your wisdom, your calm, your broad smile, but your legacy lives on — in every act of service, every conversation about fairness. You lived with purpose, laughed with heart, and led with grace. We miss you, Bob. We celebrate you. Your legacy lives on,” Koinange expressed.
Collymore’s death
Collymore died on July 1, 2019, at his home in Nairobi after a long battle with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. He had earlier travelled to the United Kingdom in October 2017 to begin treatment and returned to Kenya in July 2018 to continue working while managing the illness.
Nicholas Nganga, then Safaricom Chairman, confirmed that Collymore had been receiving treatment in various hospitals, including the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi. In the weeks leading up to his death, his health worsened, and he eventually passed away in the early hours of Monday, July 1, 2019.
He was 61 years old and left behind a wife and four children.
Jeff Koinange recalled the pain Collymore endured in his final days, saying he witnessed firsthand how his friend suffered. Despite the burning pain that often radiated from his spine, Bob remained strong and continued to show up with a smile and courage.
According to Koinange, Collymore had already accepted that his time was near. He had been told by doctors not to make long-term plans and had even advised Safaricom to begin looking for a new CEO, as he was unlikely to complete the extended term they had granted him.
Koinange said he had never seen anyone so prepared for death. Bob had informed his colleagues, family, and close friends about the seriousness of his condition. He made sure that those around him were aware of what was coming and did everything he could to ease their burden.
In one emotional moment, Koinange shared how Collymore would often stand up and stretch to ease the burning sensation in his spine. He remained calm and composed, even as the pain grew worse.
