Gone but not forgotten: Remembering Benjamin Ayimba

On May 22nd, 2021, the rugby world was thrown to mourning following the demise of one of its most iconic figures, former Kenya Sevens Rugby team, Shujaa, head coach Benjamin Ayimba Otieno.

Ayimba, who died aged 44, succumbed to cerebral malaria on Friday, May 21, 2021 while receiving treatment at the Kenyatta National Hospital.

His journey in rugby was nothing short of remarkable, leaving an indelible mark on the sport both as a player and a Kenya 7s national team coach. Ayimba will be remembered for putting Kenya on the global map, after steering the 7’s team to its first-ever World Series title in Singapore in 2016 where Kenya, then regarded as underdogs, beat favorites Fiji 30 - 07 in an entertaining finale.

Benjamin Ayimba is arguably Kenya’s most accomplished coach and player, and is credited with Kenya’s best performances in the international sevens series. He succeeded his club coach Bill Githinji as the Kenya Sevens head in 2006, making him, at 30 years old, the youngest coach on the IRB circuit and in Kenya’s history.

Born and bred in Kenya, Ayimba's passion for rugby blossomed during his time at Maseno School. His talent quickly caught the eye of many, and upon graduating in 1994, he joined Impala RFC, where he captained the team to two Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup doubles in 2000 and 2001. It was during this time that Ayimba led Impala RFC to three National Sevens Circuit titles in 1999, 2000, and 2001.

Ayimba's journey was not confined to the local scene; he ventured overseas to play for English side Cornish Pirates between 2003 and 2005, further enriching his experience and skills on the field. Representing Kenya Sevens at various international tournaments, including the Commonwealth Games and Rugby World Cup Sevens, Ayimba became a household name in the global rugby community.

Transitioning from player to coach, Ayimba took on the role of Kenya Sevens head coach from 2006 to 2011. Under his guidance, Kenya Sevens achieved significant milestones, including reaching the first-ever World Series final in 2009, and making history by reaching the Rugby World Cup Sevens semi-finals in the same year.

In 2016, Ayimba returned for a second stint as the head coach of Kenya Sevens. His leadership was instrumental in Kenya's qualification for the first-ever Rugby Sevens Olympics in 2016. One of the defining moments of his coaching career came when Kenya Sevens defeated sevens powerhouse Fiji 30-7 in the 2016 Singapore Sevens final.

Ayimba's influence extended beyond the national team; he also contributed to the development of rugby at the club level. His coaching stints at Homeboyz, Mean Machine, and Kenya Harlequin FC showcased his dedication to nurturing talent and promoting the sport at grassroots levels.

Benjamin Ayimba's untimely passing left a void in the rugby community, but his legacy continues to inspire generations of players and coaches. His passion, leadership, and commitment to the sport will forever be remembered, ensuring that his impact on Kenyan rugby remains enduring and profound.

This anniversary comes at a time when the national men's rugby sevens team 'Shujaa' is fighting to regain their HSBC status, after being relegated exactly a year ago.

His son Gabriel Ayimba seems to be following in his father's footsteps, having made a Kenya Sevens debut in last year's Safari Sevens.