Rugby fraternity; political leaders mourn Former Kenya Sevens Coach, Benjamin Ayimba

Dorothy Michieka 08:40 - 22 May 2021

Former Kenya 7s Coach Benjamin Ayimba appeals for help to settle over Sh2 million hospital Bill

Our heartfelt condolences to Coach Ayimba's family.

Condolence messages are still trickling in for fallen Rugby legend, Coach Benjamin Ayimba.

The Former Kenya Sevens Head Coach passed away on Friday night after a battle with Cerebral Malaria.

The former coach was diagnosed with Cerebral Malaria, late 2020 and in recent days, his condition was said to be deteriorating rapidly.

In April, Mr. Ayimba’s family had sent out a medical appeal to well-wishers to help settle his hospital bill, with over 5.5 million being raised.

President Uhuru Kenyatta sent in a 1million donation to help offset the accruing hospital bill that was at Sh2 million at the time.

Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, former players and the entire rugby community.

A warrior rests...

We join the Ayimba family and the entire rugby and sporting fraternity in mourning legendary backrow and former @KenyaSevens Head Coach @benayimba who passed away on Friday 21 May 2021.#RipBenja pic.twitter.com/YPG8M4yF1Q
— Kenya Rugby (@OfficialKRU) May 22, 2021

We have lost a great patriot in Benjamin Ayimba. Prior to taking up coaching he had an illustrious career as a Rugby 15s and 7s international.

As coach he led Kenya to their first World Sevens Series title when they beat Fiji at the Singapore Sevens in 2016. pic.twitter.com/a4vMPQUzhN
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) May 22, 2021

Benjamin Ayimba came through for us in our first ever successful Kitui 7s in 2018. He become a dependable partner and an integral part of the tournament.

As head coach, he led Kenya to its first ever World 7s Series title in 2016 in Singapore. Kenya trounced Fiji in the finals pic.twitter.com/3S9IXUpNWO
— Charity Ngilu (@mamangilu) May 22, 2021

Benjamin Ayimba was an incredibly special part of rugby in Kenya, he will forever be remembered for his outstanding pace and skill, his strength as a player and coach, and his kind and genuine nature both on and off the field. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/2mIAP4Pppz
— James Orengo (@orengo_james) May 22, 2021

My deepest condolences to the entire country for the loss of our great country man Benjamin Ayimba. May God keep the family strong and united through this tough time.
Kenya has indeed lost a patriot and a great sportsman who made Kenya proud by winning Singapore series in 2016. pic.twitter.com/vbKVxaJneO
— Senator Samuel L. Poghisio, EGH (@sam_poghisio) May 22, 2021

This one is hard. Rest in peace Benjamin Ayimba. National icon. Legend on and off the pitch. Top player, world class coach, great human being. It was an honour knowing you. Go well, Benja. pic.twitter.com/QluEjVoykx
— Ben Kitili (@Ben_Kitili) May 22, 2021