S. OchiengSupport pours in for stricken rugby legend
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 12.04.21. | 18:36
Ayimba, a former Shujaa head coach, is currently in critical condition and his family is appealing to clear the bill.
A financial appeal to settle the medical bill of former Kenya Sevens head coach Benjamin Ayimba have received a further boost after former prime minister Raila Odinga chipped in with an additional contribution of one million Kenyan shillings.
I met the family of Kenyan Rugby legend Benjamin Ayimba who is currently hospitalized to offer prayers, encouragement, and extend support to them.
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) April 11, 2021
You are in our prayers Benja. pic.twitter.com/Q2HVhLGCqN
Taking to his official Twitter account, Nairobi senator Sakaja Johnson, who has been at the forefront of leading the funds drive, announced the prime minister’s contribution and urged other leaders to still join in the initiative.
“Thank you very much Raila Odinga for responding to #TurnUpforBenja and visiting the family of our rugby legend Benjamin Ayimba. Your kind contribution of 1 million shillings is well received and much appreciated. Let’s keep it going,” the senator posted.
Thank you very much @RailaOdinga for responding to #TurnUpforBenja and visiting the family of our rugby legend @benayimba. Your kind contribution of 1million Shillings is well received and much appreciated. Let’s keep it going. @WilliamsRuto @MusaliaMudavadi @skmusyoka pic.twitter.com/EwSnE3Poto
— Sen. Sakaja Arthur Johnson, CBS (@SakajaJohnson) April 11, 2021
Raila joins President Uhuru Kenyatta who also made a contribution of one million over the weekend.
A massive campaign is currently ongoing in the country in support of the former rugby legend who was admitted in a Nairobi hospital after being struck down by celebral malaria close to four weeks ago. Having exhausted medical insurance, his family needs to urgently raise Ksh. 2.5 million to offset the medical bill.
Shujaa captain Andrew Amonde also urged Kenyans to continue supporting someone he regards as a father figure to most athletes.
“It is time for people to stand with Benja during these trying times as we wish him a quick recovery. I know Kenyans will pull through for him. Benja has been a brother, a coach, a father figure, so we just urge people to do something small to help with the medical bills,” he said.
The former player turned coach is a celebrated icon in the rugby sphere after he successfully led Shujaa to a 30-7 win over Fiji in the main cup finals to see Kenya win her maiden tournament in a World Series event in Singapore back in 2015.
Ayimba, who is also a former Kenya Sevens and 15s captain, also guided Kenya to its first ever World Series Cup final in Adelaide, Australia back in 2009.
Well-wishers are urged to continue sending in their contributions through PAYBILL NUMBER 8021673 under ACCOUNT NAME: BENJAMIN OTIENO AYIMBA MEDICAL.
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