Today marks the first anniversary of the death of one the most vibrant Chief Executive Officers, the Late Bob Collymore – By Enock Mukoma.
The corporate titan who meticulous transformed Safaricom PLC from a telephone company to a global conglomerate, died on July 1st, 2019.
He is remembered for many things, chief among them his ability to identify with all social classes, young, poor, vulnerable, the rich, and even the powerful President Uhuru Kenyatta was a close friend.
His love for humanity however beats them all. Bob ensured that Safaricom become the reference point for honesty, abhorred graft, and supported projects that transformed humanity.
His wife, Wambui Collymore can’t be the only person missing him. His broad smile and affection disappeared from our screens when he died.
One thing however is clear. Bob’s legacy lives on, both at Safaricom and among the thousands of lives that he touched.
Kenyans have a gut feeling that Bob would have lightened up the gloom brought about by COVID-19.. because to him, impossible was nothing.
Great people have a way of lingering in the lives of those they interacted with…Bob was such a person.
Long before Covid-19, he believed in the Kenyan spirit.
He would never have asked to evacuate himself to the UK to avoid contracting the disease here…he would have led the battle from the front just like the so many he fought on behalf Kenyans.
To Bob, life was to be lived in a simple, organized way.
He stripped Safaricom staff of ties and suits…because they were not bosses of Kenyans…but bridges to help them attain their goals.
In a country where affluence is worshipped, this simple but firm management style has transformed our way of thinking.
It is gratifying to note that President Kenyatta has directed public workers to wear locally tailored clothes on Fridays…and promote the economy.
We fully support this, Mr. President, as we celebrate the life of an honest man.
