So, a story is told. Way before he got a state commendation from President Moi, there was Geoffrey William Griffin. He was at the helm of the National Youth Service, what you currently know as NYS. He did a good job, there.
I don't remember the history really well but while he was of British origin, his father settled in Eldoret.
He had one brother. The brother died in a boating accident. He was electrocuted in the boat.
Dr. Griffin went to Nairobi School, I think. So, at the time, if you were a prefect, you had certain privileges. Privileges included smoking cigarettes. Not the other potent stuff that you partake. He struggled with smoking for a while but eventually, he quit.
Somehow though, the effects of smoking kinda cought up with him. In his sixties, he got cancer.
There was that moment when he had to undergo surgery. They hived off his nose and we figured that he was cancer-free.
He went on to live a full life, though. He would regal us with stories. Stories of hunting. Stories of Manyani Prison and Mombasa Camp. There was also a story about his encounter with Mzee Jomo Kenyatta whom he described as a stern man.
So, at some point, at the 40th Anniversary, I got to meet another president - President Kibaki, thanks to Dr. Griffin.
To another unrelated story, he didn't say it overtly but there was also a story about being betrothed to this lass. Then Njonjo, the 'Duke of Kabeteshire' 'sliced' him, they say. Dr. Griffin didn't marry, ever.
With that said, I have never seen a man as dedicated as Dr. Griffin. He gave his life to a cause. He transformed lives. He dedicated his life to helping poor boys. This is a man like no other. He was humble and dedicated.
Dr. Griffin is buried in the chapel, at a school, somewhere on General Waruinge Street. From two huts, this man has transformed a lot of lives. He could also give 'Naughty Boys' six of the best!
File Number 10703. It's a story for another day. There will never be another Dr. Griffin.
A good man!
Sayonara!
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