The Kenya Rugby Union joins the Ayimba family and the sporting community in mourning the passing of Kenyan rugby great Benjamin Ayimba, OGW on Friday 21 May 2021.
A true servant of the game, Benjamin was an inspiration to many, on and off the pitch.
His leadership qualities were plain for all to see, from winning virtually everything on offer in the local game as a player to becoming the youngest ever Kenya Sevens Head Coach and attaining success on the job.
Benjamin was a standout.
Under his tenure, Shujaa, as the Kenya Sevens team is affectionately referred to, consistently claimed the scalps of leading sides on the World Rugby Sevens Series.
He coached the team to a first ever cup final in 2009 in Adelaide, as well as a historic semifinal appearance at that year’s Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai.
He would, in his second tenure lead Shujaa to a first ever Olympic appearance in 2016 in Rio
de Janeiro, Brazil.
The crowning moment of his coaching career came on 17 April 2016 when he led Shujaa to a 30-7 win over Fiji in the Singapore Sevens Cup Final, Kenya’s first ever cup title on the World Rugby Sevens Series.
Even as we mourn Benjamin, we want to thank everyone who offered their moral and financial support during the period of his hospitalization.
His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta -The President of the Republic of Kenya, Rt.Hon Raila Amolo Odinga – Former Prime Minister, Hon. Johnson Sakaja – Nairobi Senator as well as the larger rugby fraternity and the Kenyan public – we salute you.
Messages of condolence continue to pour in from all corners of the world and appreciate everybody who has joined us in mourning this great son of Kenyan rugby.
We are aware that there are still pending medical bills of approximately Ksh 1.7 million to be cleared and we call upon all people of goodwill to lend a helping hand in off-setting these bills and give Benjamin a fitting send off.
More information will be released in consultation with the family.
To Benjamin’s family,we stand with you and pray that you find strength during this trying time.
May Benjamin’s soul rest in eternal peace.
Oduor Gangla
Chairman
Kenya Rugby Union
