Bob Collymore opens up on cancer diagnosis

Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore on Wednesday evening opened up on his journey with cancer.

Speaking during a television interview with Jeff Koinange, Collymore divulged that by the time it was diagnosed, doctors told him he had it for 6 months.

“I went to London and they told me I had acute myeloid leukaemia- a rare kind of blood cancer that is curable.

“I was diagnosed with cancer. The doctors told me at the time that I had probably had it for about 6 months,” he revealed.

Collymore further stated that other employees would access the same kind of treatment as it is not just meant for the elite.

“If I were not CEO at Safaricom, if I worked at the call centre for instance, I would get the same medical access. I have 6 colleagues currently undergoing cancer treatment,” he said.

The CEO was also grateful to his wife Wambui Kamiru saying she made great sacrifices when he was unwell.

He added that during his treatment, he took time to reflect on Kenyans who could not afford cancer treatment and it saddened him.

“I had time to reflect while I was away, about that Kenyan who cannot afford such health care, whose cancer diagnosis comes when the disease has advanced in their body,” he stated.

Netizens were touched by his story and some asked him to mobilise Kenyans of goodwill to contribute towards setting up a modern cancer facility.

Sir ,can you mobilise kenyans of good will through your able leadership to start a modern cancer facility ,for those who can't afford medication abroad— evans15 (@evans154) August 8, 2018

Let him support the building of a cancer center in Kenya

— Dominic Nyaboga (@NyabogaDominic) August 8, 2018

Then Bob should think of coming up with a foundation to help those who can't afford good care— @Munenes (@KimanthiKennedy) August 8, 2018

Would you please mind having an initiative to help other Kenyans in your situation access similar treatment through @SafaricomFDN?

— Enoch Kilile (@EnochKilile) August 8, 2018