Update: Saturday, May 22. 11:48: President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent a message of condolence to the family, friends and relatives of celebrated rugby coach Benjamin Ayimba who passed away at a Nairobi hospital.
The President mourned the departed sportsman as a Kenyan great and an icon of rugby saying Ayimba had inspired a generation of Kenyans to take up and excel in rugby.
“It is a sad day in the history of Kenyan sports having lost Benjamin. From his exploits on the field as a rugby player and on the touchline as a coach, Benjamin inspired a generation of young Kenyans to take up and excel as rugby players. He was truly a national rugby icon," the President eulogised.
“As a nation, we will forever be grateful for his great contribution to Kenya’s sports especially for the many accolades he earned the country over the years," the President added.
Uhuru prayed for strength and fortitude for Ayimba's family during this difficult period of mourning.
Former Kenya Sevens Rugby coach Benjamin Ayimba has died. Family spokesman Oscar Osir has confirmed.
Ayimba who was battling Cerebral Malaria passed away on Friday evening, May 21 while receiving treatment at a Nairobi Hospital.
"It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Benjamin.
"The family and close friends would like to extend their deepest gratitude for the prayers and overwhelming moral and financial support that you all have offered during Benjamin's last days," Osir stated as quoted by Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) website.
His family is expected to make a public statement on Saturday, May 22.
Ayimba, 44, is a veteran rugby player and coach, celebrated for guiding Kenya to its first-ever World Rugby Sevens Series Cup title in 2016 at the Singapore 7.
In April 2021, his family reached out for help to settle a Ksh2.5 million medical bill. President Uhuru Kenyatta led the contributions with Ksh1 million, according to Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja.
“Benja has been in and out of hospital since late 2020 following a cerebral Malaria diagnosis. His condition has deteriorated rapidly and he needs our help more than ever.
“We are appealing to all well-wishers to help contribute towards getting him the best medical treatment possible and back on his feet again,” KRU stated as the bill later soared to Ksh2.9 million.
Ayimba will be remembered for his passion and dedication to rugby. The former Maseno School alumnus played for Impala RFC, Nondescripts and Cornish Pirates (UK).
He also represented Kenya Sevens as a player in the 2001 and 2005 Rugby World Cup Sevens s tournaments in Argentina and Hong Kong respectively.
Ayimba then transitioned to coaching and took charge of Mean Machine, Homeboyz and Kenya Harlequins (as an assistant coach).
He led Kenya to its first World Series final in Australia in 2009 but lost to South Africa. He was relieved of his duties in 2011 but was reappointed in 2015 and he led Kenya to win the World Rugby Sevens Series 2016 in Singapore by beating Fiji.
