CELEBRITIES AND SPORTS PERSONALITIES PAY TRIBUTE TO BENJAMIN AYIMBA

A few minutes before 1am, news of former Kenya 7s rugby coach Benjamin Ayimba emerged bringing social media to a standstill. The deceased succumbed to cerebral malaria at the Kenyatta National Hospital on Friday evening, May 21 after weeks of receiving treatment.

According to the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), family spokesman Oscar Osir confirmed Ayimba’s death.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Benjamin on Friday 21 May 2021. Benjamin succumbed to the multiple complications he was being treated for over the past couple of months,” Osir said.

His death was mourned by notable Kenyan celebrities and sports personalities including sports journalist Caroll Radull, footballer Michael Olunga, comedian Phelix Odiwour, alias Jalang’o, ex-Capital FM producer Joe Muchiri among others.

Humphrey Kayange shared a lengthy post, “Talk about moments that define your career! Met Benja in 2006 and was honoured as he named me as his Captain. His words were “we will rule the world and change the rugby landscape, we just had to believe in the process.”

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Benja strength was he had the power to rally a team around a common goal. He also he had been through the process and knew exactly what was needed. He made us run through a brick walls and the games we won were because he believed so much in our talent. Personally, we created a tight bond over the years and achieved some milestones along the way. He was big on off-pitch bonding as he said brothers and friends before teammates

This was our last dance together as we gave everything in 2016 and finally got rewarded from the process that had lasted almost 10 years. He has so much belief that one day would conquer the world and it was unbelievable seeing it come to life of course with him at helm. Thanks for being the big brother, mentor, fashion stylist etc. I will definitely miss the banter, chat and cheeky ones. My thoughts are with your family during this time.”

Comedian Nyambane said, “We have lost a national icon, a legend. A great player, rest in peace Benjamin Ayimba. World class coach. You took our sports to a higher level. Go well Champ!” “Rest in peace Benja,” said football star Olunga.

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Carol Radull posted, “This is hard. Rest in power Benja. Benjamin Ayimba has died at the Kenya Hospital after a battle with cerebral Malaria.”

“Benja. We met way back in 2008 and you taught me to appreciate Rugby and I became a fanatic – you made us proud after guiding Kenya to its first-ever World Rugby Sevens Series Main Cup title in 2016 at Singapore. Rest well Legend Benjamin Ayimba,” Chris Kirwa mourned.

TV personality Ben Kitili shared, “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.” Jalang’o added, “May your will be done by God, Rest in Peace Benja.”

“One day when I get the strength, I will tell you a personal story about Benja and I. For now, all I can say from deep down is thank you coaches.” Churchill wrote.