A Tribute to Frank Odoi

Frank in his younger days

He was 64 years old.
He was a world acclaimed cartoonist and author of the comic book, Akokhan.
He was born a Ghanian but had become an 'African'- fitting comfortably in whichever country he moved to/ worked in.
He died on Saturday 21st April in Nairobi-Kenya, on Jogoo road; in one of East Africa's most notorious transport means, the matatu...
His body was only discovered on Monday 23rd  :-(

I only got really interested in him and the work he did, ironically, on the day he died, Saturday. On Saturday morning I picked up the Michela Wrong book, 'It's our turn to Eat' and was so intrigued by her depiction of every character that I was googling each one, trying to get to know them as I devoured the book's contents.

He shared a last name with a brother-in-law whose intelligence and political astuteness I have always held in high esteem and I was thinking to myself that, perhaps, there is indeed something to be said about the name one goes by.

On Sunday, I met up with an elderly gentleman who I have come to think of as a friend, so that we could start on what we are calling a biography writing project. His biography. We spoke at length about how sad it is that many notable Africans oft die without documenting their life and times; a thing that robs future generations of much needed inspiration. Frank Odoi's blog/ website does not have enough information about his life and times much less enough of his well-loved, brilliant cartoons!



A Frank Odoi cartoon in a BBC magazine



The Islamic tradition that encourages adult faithfuls to write a will regardless of age is admirable,as far as I am concerned. It is a tradition rooted in the recognition of man's mortality and the imporatnce of leaving a legacy.

"Let your good works go on, beyond your own short life."- the Quran says.
Writing a biography is in the same league. Each one of us has, of today, made a difference to history. This must be documented. This information must be available to your grand children in years to come after you have passed on.


The notorious matatu



Socrates said once, 'The unexamined life is not worth living'. The best way to examine oneself is to write things down, refer to them at later dates and see for yourself whether you are becoming a better or worse person characteristially or if you are stagnating.

I journal pretty religiously and the 'blog revolution' has further given me an opportunity to put in black and white my thoughts and opinions on life's happenings. I know that this is not a walk in the park for everyone but I do hope that after reading this post you will try to verbally share what you consider the most pivotal experiences, thoughts and what not of your life with at least one or two trusted people- just in case. Oral tradition has been useful in helping us piece together our roots, it should still work :-)

Rest in Peace Frank. Tutaonana Baadaye.

I pen off...or is it type off?