'I love cooking ugali' Times Bob Collymore opened up about his private life

Piece by: Peninah Njoki
Lifestyle

Kenyans are still trying to come to terms with the sudden death of  Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore who succumbed to Leukemia which he has been battling since 2017.

Bob, as he was fondly known by his family and the cooperate world, in a candid interview with Capital Fm reveals what tickled him most and what he hated most.

Below are some interesting facts to note about the late Bob Collymore.

Q. What keeps a relationship going

A. Conversation

Q. Who makes you laugh the hardest

A. My kids

Q. Have you ever owned an Airtel line

A. Of course

Q. What habit can't you stand?

A. People being late

Q. Which one food can you cook best

A. Ugali

Q. Which country is your favorite currently?

A. Rwanda

Q. Which song can't you get out of your mind?

A. No Woman no cry

Q. Your favorite Kenyan artiste

A. Juliani

Q. What song can't you get out of your mind now?

A. 'If it's magic' by Stevie Wonder.

Q. How much money do you have in your pocket right now

A. 3,000, it's pay day

Q. Which Kenyan politician do you admire

A. All of them.

Q. How many push ups can you manage

A. Three

Q. Do you have kids? How many

A. Four

Q. Your all time favourite book

A. Bhagavad Gita 'As it Is'

Q. Which song do you wish you had written?

A. 'Smile' by Nat King Cole

Q. Do you know what  'T.W ' means

A. Time wasters

That was not the answer the interviewee expected as the meaning of T.W he was looking for is Tiga Wana, which translates to stop joking.

Q. What was your first job?

A. Working in a shop, sweeping floors.

Q. Where did you go to school?

A. Primary school in Ghana and High school in England.

Q. Who do you call for advice?

A. My buddy Joshua but it depends on what advice I want, It can be a number of people

Q. What would you change about humanity?

A. Intolerance

Q. How do you keep your staff motivated?

A. By telling them jokes

Q. Whats your take on divorce?

A. I am very well practicing it.

Q. Your biggest career moment at Safaricom?

A. I am not sure I have had it yet.

Q. What do you look for when hiring?

A. Compassion, purpose and focus.

Q. One failed product and lessons learnt?

Big box, biggest lesson I learnt is don't blow your trumpet too loud unless you know what the score is.

Q. One product that has brought you much satisfaction?

A. Mpesa Academy

Asked on what his morning routine is Bob says

I wake up at quarter past five, go to the gym, meditate, shower, get dressed and get to the office at quarter past six.

May he rest in peace.