Safaricom Speaks about CEO Bob Collymore's Exit

Safaricom has refuted claims that its ailing Chief Executive Office Bob Collymore has been fired.

Speaking to press, Safaricom Foundation Chairman Joseph Ogutu dismissed the claims, noting that Collymore has been in the United Kingdom receiving specialised treatment and will soon return to the country to continue with his roles at the telco.

“I want to confirm that Bob Collymore is in London for specialized medical treatment for a couple of months after which he will come back and he is still the CEO,” he said in Eldoret town, Friday.

He added: “We are not sure the exact time when he will come back but it will depend on the doctors. The Company is in safe hands while he will be alone."

There were rumours that the mobile service provider was planning to replace Collymore after he took a medical leave for "a number months" in October.

In an announcement through a circular to employees, Safaricom chairman Nicholas Ng’ang’a said Collymore had taken the leave, but did not disclose the nature of his illness or how long he would be absent.

“On behalf of the board, management and the entire Safaricom community, I wish Bob quick recovery and look forward to him resuming his duties as soon as the doctors allow him to do so,” he said.