According to a statement from the mobile service provider, Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore passed away at his home on Monday morning.
He had been suffering from Leukemia and died at the age of 61.
"It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing away of Robert William Collymore CEO of Safaricom PLC which occurred at his home in the morning of 1st July 2019," read the statement from Safaricom.
Safaricom Chairman Nicholas Nganga noted that Bob's condition had worsened in recent weeks.
In the recent past, he had been receiving treatment at the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi.
Bob leaves behind a wife and four children.
President Uhuru Kenyatta mourned the death of the celebrated telco boss.
"It is with deep sadness that I have this morning received news of the death of Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore after years of battling cancer. As a country, we've lost a distinguished corporate leader whose contribution to our national wellbeing will be missed," State House tweeted.
More politicians also joined in condoling with the friends and family of the departed Safaricom boss.
On his part, DP William Ruto stated, "Bob Collymore was a distinguished corporate titan, whose shrewd leadership at the helm of Safaricom was commendable. He steered the company to new heights and contributed immensely to the evolution of Kenya's corporate scene.
"Collymore was exemplary, brilliant and courageous, especially in the manner he battled cancer. Condolences to his family, colleagues and friends. Rest In Peace."
"Shocked and sad to learn of the departure of Bob Collymore from this world. It really breaks my heart. He was a wonderful friend, a brilliant strategist and a fighter. I really thought he would pull through. My condolences to his family and the entire Safaricom team. Sad day," wrote Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua.
"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," ODM leader Raila Odinga noted.
Collymore, a Guyana-born British citizen, took charge of Safaricom in 2010 on a three-year contract after the company’s founding CEO, Michael Joseph, retired.
His contract has been extended multiple times as a result of his success and was scheduled to exit the firm in 2020.
In October 2017, Collymore travelled to the United Kingdom to receive treatment and returned in July last year to resume his duties.
