Six years after the death of Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore, Kenyans are once again remembering a man who left an enduring legacy far beyond the boardroom.
On Tuesday, broadcast journalist Jeff Koinange shared a deeply personal tribute, calling Collymore a brother, a friend, and a leader whose influence still resonates.
https://x.com/KoinangeJeff/status/1940157845938589833: “‘We Miss You, Bob’: Jeff Koinange’s Tribute Marks Six Years Since Collymore’s Death”“Six years on, and your light still shines,” Koinange posted on Facebook and X. “We miss your wisdom, your calm, your broad smile… Your legacy lives on – in every act of service, every conversation about fairness.”
Collymore died in July 2019 from Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, a rare and fast-spreading cancer of the blood and bone marrow. His diagnosis, shared publicly in 2018, helped raise awareness about a disease that remains poorly understood in many parts of Kenya.
A Quiet Struggle, Shared Publicly
Collymore first spoke about his illness during a sit-down interview with Koinange on Citizen TV. In a calm and thoughtful tone, he described how the symptoms crept in.
“I had been feeling unwell for some time,” he said. “There was pain in the bones of my shin -something I’d never experienced before.”
At first, he was treated for a Vitamin D deficiency. But after multiple tests and no clear answers, he flew to the UK, where doctors confirmed he had leukaemia.
Despite the news, Collymore remained composed.
“Being diagnosed with cancer was not such a big deal,” he said. “If you get cancer, you can’t undo it.”
He underwent treatment in the UK before returning to Kenya to continue his duties at Safaricom, even as his health declined.
A Second Voice, Less Heard
Around the same time, another Kenyan -journalist Dennis Omondi of Weru TV -was also battling leukaemia. His case followed a similar path. What began as a flu-like illness soon turned more serious.
His wife, Nancy Mwanza, recalled the early signs.
“He had a swelling at the back of his neck. It would move when touched, but it didn’t hurt. Still, I asked him to go back and get checked,” she said.
Unlike Collymore, Omondi did not have access to specialized care. He appealed for help online, seeking Sh12 million for treatment in India. He died before reaching that goal.
Their stories, though different in outcome, exposed the same truth: early detection and access to care can mean the difference between life and death.
What is Leukemia?
Leukemia is a cancer that starts in the bone marrow. It causes the body to produce abnormal white blood cells that don’t function properly. These cells crowd out the healthy ones, making it hard to fight infections, stop bleeding, or carry oxygen.
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms can include:
- Fatigue that doesn’t go away
- Fever or chills
- Frequent infections
- Unexplained weight loss
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Bone or joint pain
- Night sweats
Doctors recommend regular blood tests and prompt follow-up if symptoms persist. Diagnosis often involves physical exams, blood tests, and sometimes a bone marrow biopsy.
There are two broad types of leukemia: acute, which develops quickly, and chronic, which progresses more slowly and can go unnoticed for years.
Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation, or a bone marrow transplant – all of which require access to specialized facilities and financial resources many patients struggle to afford.
Remembering a Life Well Lived
Collymore’s death left a gap in Kenya’s corporate world, but his life continues to be a symbol of calm leadership and social responsibility.
At Safaricom, he championed fairness, integrity, and inclusion. He pushed for transparency in business and believed companies should serve the people -not just their shareholders.
Jeff Koinange’s tribute is more than nostalgia. It’s a reminder of the values Collymore stood for and the lessons he left behind — not just about business or illness, but about how to live with clarity, purpose, and grace.
“You lived with purpose, laughed with heart, and led with grace,” Koinange wrote. “We celebrate you. Your legacy lives on.”
As Kenya marks six years without Bob Collymore, his voice, and his message, still echo -urging the country to care more, speak up, and take health seriously.
