In memory of Benjamin Ayimba

Sunday 21 May, the Kenya Rugby fraternity remembered a remarkable individual who left an indelible mark on the world of rugby and inspired the nation with his passion and dedication.

Benjamin Ayimba, the former Kenya 7s coach will forever be remembered as a pioneer, a leader, and a true champion.

Mozzart Sport reflects on the fallen gaffer’s life, his achievements, and the lasting legacy he left behind.

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Ayimba’s early days in rugby

Born on August 27, 1976, in Nairobi, Kenya, Ayimba’s journey to becoming a rugby legend was nothing short of remarkable. His story is traceable back to his school days as a form three student at Maseno School where, under coach Milton Nyangaga, he honed his skills in a game that would see him lead an accolade-laden career until his demise at the age of 44.

After high school, Ayimba joined Impala RFC as a rookie in 1995 and went on to play for the Gazelles for seven years. He ended his three-year tenure with Impala on a high, having captained the side to two Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup double in 2000 and 2001. He was also instrumental in the team lifting the national sevens circuit title three years in a row from 1999 to 2001.

He would then leave Impala RFC to join Nondies RFC in 2002 where he played for a season before landing a pro deal to play for Cornish Pirates in England between 2003 and 2005 alongside his close friend Oscar Osir.

It was while still at Impala that he joined the Kenya Sevens national team. He was part of the team that represented Kenya at the Commonwealth Games three times in a row in 1998, 2002, and 2006. 

He was appointed Kenya Sevens captain in 2000 where he led the team to two Word Cup Sevens tournaments, 2001 in Argentina and Hong Kong in 2005.

While still playing for the national team, he landed a national team coaching stint in 2006, succeeding his club coach at Impala, Bill Githinji as the Kenya Sevens head in 2006, making him the youngest coach on the IRB circuit and in Kenya’s history as he was only 30 at the time.

His determination earned him the 2009 Coach of the Year during the Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA).

The following year he earned the highest recognition as he was decorated by the late President Mwai Kibaki with the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) award.

Ayimba’s coaching heroics

He made a comeback to the national team set up in 2015 as head coach. His tenure as the coach of the Kenya 7s national team was a period of unprecedented success and glory.

Under his leadership together with current Kenya Harlequins coach Paul Murunga, Kenya achieve its most remarkable feat to date; winning the Singapore 7s title in 2016. That historic moment showcased the immense potential of Kenya Rugby on the global stage.

Beyond the accolades and titles, what set Ayimba apart was his impact on the lives of those he coached. He was more than a mentor; a father figure, and a source of inspiration to young players.

Kenya 7s captain Nelson Oyoo is familiar with this ordeal;

“Ideally, Ayimba was more of a manager. The main thing that he championed was for players to be in a happy place, at least to have peace of mind, he would encourage us to show us we were bigger than our opponents. He made us believe in ourselves. He always made sure that we had a place, sometimes calling upon his friends to support the team financially,” Oyoo recalled.

According to former Kenya 7s captain Andrew Amonde, Ayimba was a key factor in the Singapore 7s title.

“Benjamin Ayimba is one guy that brought us the Singapore 7s win. He believed in a system, and building his players mentally. We did not have money at the time. Benja told us that the Kenya Rugby Union had no money and the only way we could get money was by winning,” Amonde noted.

Tragically, on 21 May 2021, we bid farewell to this extraordinary soul as he succumbed to cerebral malaria. The news of Ayimba’s passing sent shockwaves through the global rugby community, leaving a void that can never be filled.

The name Benjamin Ayimba will forever be etched in the annals of Kenya Rugby history. He will be remembered for his unwavering passion, his unmatched leadership, and instilling unwavering belief in his charges.

Continue resting in peace coach. You are missed but never forgotten.