Patrick Quarcoo, CEO of Radio Africa, shared a poignant memory of the late Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore, a close friend and member of the Boys Club. Reflecting on Collymore’s final moments, Quarcoo recalled, “He calmly told us, ‘If I get three more days, I will be lucky.’ We asked what we must do, should we part, and he simply said, ‘Stay together, stand by Wambui.’” These were Collymore’s words to his friends, passing on his last wishes to his wife, Wambui Kamiru.
Wambui Kamiru stood by Bob Collymore’s side throughout his arduous battle with a rare and aggressive blood cancer. Quarcoo further reminisced on Collymore’s lightheartedness during those difficult days, recalling how Bob said with a twinkle in his eye, “I don’t know about this heaven and earth thing, but I truly hope there is a life after death. If there are ghosts, I’ll come and rustle the curtains, and when you light the candles on my children’s birthdays, I’ll come and help blow them out.”
In a 2018 interview, Collymore recounted the depth of his wife’s support when he had to travel to London for treatment. He shared, “When I told my wife that I am going to London, she said, ‘When are we leaving?’ and I asked, ‘You’re coming?’ to which she replied, ‘Of course I’m coming.’ I asked her, ‘When shall we book your return flight?’ and she said, ‘The same time as you.’”
Diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer, Collymore was required to undergo extensive treatment in the UK, which doctors estimated would last for about nine months. It was a grueling period, yet Wambui remained unwavering in her support. She accompanied him to London and stayed with him through the harsh winter, something Collymore praised, calling her “a fantastic lady who stuck with me.” He recognized the immense sacrifice she made, remaining by his side every single day.
Bob and Wambui’s relationship began in 2011 when they met at a fundraiser for survivors of the Loreto Convent Msongari school bus crash. The couple, both divorcees, quickly captured the public’s attention with their affectionate photos, soon becoming known as the “couple of the decade.”
They married in a simple ceremony in April 2016, a wedding that defied expectations for a man of Collymore’s stature. Wambui wore a modest white dress, while Bob donned a simple white shirt and trousers. Their understated wedding surprised many, but for those who knew them, it reflected the couple’s genuine bond. Wambui had captured the heart of one of Kenya’s most eligible bachelors.
Despite the simplicity of their union, some critics sought to attack their relationship, prompting Wambui to address the backlash on social media. She posted on Facebook, sharing her thoughts on the public’s reaction to their marriage: “My marriage to the man that I love and respect had some interesting effects on the conversations on Twitter and Facebook.
For a few days, many Kenyans discussed ‘tribalism,’ and some even expressed a desire to leave the country because of how unbearable it can sometimes be to live in a society where people judge you by your ‘tribal’ origin. However, many refused to engage in this conversation, insisting that tribalism should no longer matter. These people are the reason why we will still have a country to call home.”
Wambui Kamiru also embraced Collymore’s twin daughters, becoming a loving stepmother, and together they navigated the complexities of life as a blended family.
