Benjamin Ayimba Is Dead

Former Kenya Sevens Rugby coach Benjamin Ayimba has died. Family spokesman Oscar Osir has confirmed.  Ayimba who was battling Cerebral Malaria passed away on Friday evening, May 21 while receiving treatment at a Nairobi Hospital.  “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Benjamin.  His family is expected to make a public statement on Saturday, May 22.  Ayimba, 44, is a veteran rugby player and coach, celebrated for guiding Kenya to its first-ever World Rugby Sevens Series Cup title in 2016 at the Singapore 7.  In April 2021, his family reached out for help to settle a Ksh2.5 million medical bill. President Uhuru Kenyatta led the contributions with Ksh1 million, according to Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja. 

“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 stated as the bill later soared to Ksh2.9 million.  Ayimba will be remembered for his passion and dedication to rugby. The former Maseno School alumnus played for Impala RFC, Nondescripts and Cornish Pirates (UK).  He also represented Kenya Sevens as a player in the 2001 and 2005 Rugby World Cup Sevens s tournaments in Argentina and Hong Kong respectively.  Ayimba then transitioned to coaching and took charge of Mean Machine, Homeboyz and Kenya Harlequins (as an assistant coach).  He led Kenya to its first World Series final in Australia in 2009 but lost to South Africa. He was relieved of his duties in 2011 but was reappointed in 2015 and he led Kenya to win the World Rugby Sevens Series 2016 in Singapore by beating Fiji.