Safaricom Interim CEO Michael Joseph Accused of Making Racist Remarks during Bob Collymore's Memorial

Acting Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph is under fire from Kenyans online over some remarks he made during the memorial service of the late Bob Collymore.

Speaking during the event held at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi on Thursday, Joseph described Collymore as a “white man in a black body.”

“Over the last 15 years I went from being amused by this white man in a black body pretending to be a very serious corporate person to really becoming a serious corporate leader,” said Joseph.

Kenyans on social media have criticized Michael, accusing him of making racist remarks.

Blogger @RobertAlai tweeted: "According to Michael Joseph, no black man can have the compassion and other positive mannerisms of Bob." 

He added: "Now you understand why no Kenyan is allowed to be Safaricom CEO? It’s the racist mindset of people like Mike."

@KenMortician noted:" MJ called Bob Collymore 'a white man in a black body' and that racist holds more than 5 top positions in this country."

@raymondmtetezi said:" Michael Joseph while eulogizing Bob Collymore, said Bob "was a white man in a black body"...what !!OUTRIGHT RACISM!!!May Bob rest in peace."

@NdunguWainaina said: ""Bob was a white man trapped in a black body", Michael Joseph. This is abhorrent racism."

Responding to the tweets, Joseph said Kenyans missed the point as the remarks were supposed to be humorous.

“You missed the point and the humour!” Michael tweeted.

Collymore succumbed to cancer on Monday morning at his house in Nairobi and was cremated on Tuesday in a private ceremony.

He is survived by his wife, Wambui Kamiru, and four children.