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Former Kenya Sevens Rugby Coach Benjamin Ayimba is dead

Saturday, May 22nd, 2021 08:08 | By
Benjamin Ayimba
Benjamin Ayimba: PHOTO/courtesy

The family of former Kenya Sevens coach Benjamin Ayimba and Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has announced his passing on.

Ayimba died on Friday evening, May 21 at Kenyatta National Hospital where he was receiving treatment for cerebral malaria.

"A warrior rests. We join the Ayimba family and the entire rugby and sporting fraternity in mourning legendary backrow and former Kenya Sevens Head Coach Ben Ayimba who passed away on Friday 21, May 2021," KRU said in a statement.

In a separate statement, Ayimba's family thanked members of the public for the overwhelming support during the rugby player's sickness.

"Benjamin succumbed to multiple complications he was being treated for over the past couple of months. The family and close friends would like to extend their deepest gratitude for the prayers and the overwhelming moral and financial support you all have offered during Benjamin's last days," Oscar Osir, the family's spokesman said.

The 44 year old is a veteran rugby player and coach who is celebrated for guiding Kenya to its first-ever World Rugby Sevens Series Cup title in 2016 at the Singapore 7s.

In April 2021 Kenyans led by President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM party leader Raila Odinga raised over Ksh5.27 million towards his medical expense.

“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 said in a statement.

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