Bob Collymore, the esteemed Guyanese-born British businessman who served as the Chief Executive Officer of Safaricom, led a life marked by significant professional achievements and a deeply personal romantic journey. His relationships, though some kept private, ultimately culminated in a high-profile marriage that captured the hearts of many in Kenya and beyond. Collymore's romantic history unfolded across three marriages, each contributing to the tapestry of his life.
Details surrounding Bob Collymore's first marriage remain largely out of the public eye. While he occasionally alluded to it, describing it as a "mistake" that ended in divorce around 2012 in the UK, specific timelines, the partner's name, or the precise circumstances of their union are not widely publicized. This period of his life appears to have been intentionally kept private, reflecting a desire to shield personal matters from public scrutiny during his early career.
His second marriage was to Claire Hellen Collymore, also referred to as Claire-Bishop Collymore in some reports. This union brought two children into his life: James Robert Collymore and Robert Collymore. While the exact start date of this marriage is not widely publicized, it was a significant period during which he became a father. The marriage to Claire Hellen eventually concluded in divorce. According to reports, Collymore mentioned that Claire Hellen had found a new partner and was planning to remarry in 2019, indicating an amicable separation that allowed both parties to move forward. After Collymore's passing, Claire Hellen and their son James Robert were involved in a legal dispute with his widow, Wambui Kamiru, over the administration of his estate, particularly concerning his UK and Kenyan wills. This succession row was amicably settled out of court in November 2022, allowing for the distribution of his assets.
Collymore found his most public and enduring love in Kenya with Wambui Kamiru, a renowned Kenyan artist and founder of The Art Space. Their paths first crossed in July 2011 in Nairobi during a fundraiser for survivors of a school bus crash. Wambui was present as an alumnus, and Collymore represented the Safaricom Foundation. This initial meeting sparked a connection that blossomed into a deep relationship, despite both having been previously married. Wambui herself was formerly married to Joseph Kinyua and had children from that union, who later became Collymore's stepchildren.
After dating for approximately five years, Bob Collymore and Wambui Kamiru exchanged vows in a private, intimate ceremony on April 2, 2016. The invite-only wedding, held at an upmarket residence in Kitisuru, Nairobi, was a significant event, marking a new chapter in Collymore's life. The couple's union was widely celebrated, and Wambui quickly became a visible and supportive presence by his side, often accompanying him to public events and standing by him through personal challenges.
Their marriage was characterized by mutual support and public affection. Wambui was a steadfast companion during Collymore's battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a rare form of blood cancer. He traveled to the United Kingdom in October 2017 for treatment, and Wambui's unwavering support was evident throughout this challenging period. Upon his return to Kenya in July 2018, Collymore publicly acknowledged her strength and support, tweeting, > "Thanks to everyone who supported me over the past 9 months especially the clinical team at @UCLH, my superb @SafaricomPLC team and of course my wife @WambuiKamiru."
The couple's bond remained strong until Collymore's passing on July 1, 2019. His will, dated April 18, 2018, explicitly bequeathed all his Kenyan estate, both real and personal, to Wambui for her "own use and benefit absolutely," a testament to the profound trust and love he held for her. Wambui, in turn, has consistently spoken of him with deep affection and respect, continuing to honor his memory and legacy. Their relationship was a public display of enduring love, demonstrating how personal connections can thrive even amidst the demands of a high-profile career.
Bob Collymore's romantic journey, from his early, private unions to his celebrated marriage with Wambui Kamiru, reflected a man who valued companionship and family. His life, though cut short, was enriched by these relationships, leaving behind a legacy not only of business acumen but also of a deeply human capacity for love and connection.