Benjamin Ayimba, the former Kenya Seven Rugby Coach has lost his battle to cerebral malaria.
Ayimba died on Friday evening at a Nairobi hospital where he was receiving treatment, his family confirmed.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Benjamin,” a family member said.
Early this week, Kenyans fundraised a total of Ksh5.5 million towards Ayimba’s treatment.
He had a pending Ksh1 million hospital bill.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga led the pack each contributing Ksh1 million.
Ayimba’ family said that he is making recovery is conscious. Doctors could soon discharge him for specialized homecare treatment.
The former coach has been battling a serious bout of cerebral malaria.
Ayimba was in and out of hospital for the better part of 2020 and early 2021.
He was hospitalized in April after his condition got worse. At the time, he had an outstanding hospital bill of Ksh2 million which the family could not raise.
“Benja has been in and out of hospital since late 2020 after being diagnosed with cerebral malaria. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and he needs out 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. The current bill stands at 2M,” a relative said.
For three weeks, he was unconscious fighting for his life in HDU. His son Brian said that they needed Ksh2 million to pay the hospital and move him to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialized treatment.
