King Griffins: A Transformational Leader.

At the age of 28, Griffins had been the ELF Tunaweza project Bungoma county coordinator for two years and also served as the president of Bungoma Youth Connect, a leading network for youth entrepreneurs in the county.

Griffins was truly an inspiration to the young people he worked with, he was dedicated to his work, he served diligently and excellently with unmatched passion, zeal and grit. His mobilization and organization skills wowed all who worked with him.

He has set standards for all of us, on what it means to serve your community, country and Africa.

Here are some of the tributes from his colleagues at the county:

Abdulkarim Taraja– I first knew and met Griffin’s during ELF-Tunaweza Bungoma Chapter training on Youth Participation on Devolution. The level of interactions and engagement made us look like twins. I learnt a lot from him and he equally learnt a lot from myself. We kept our conversation and discussions on ELF alive.

His inspiration came when the County was embarking on Budget Making process where he mobilized all of us, with a single document to appear in the public participation whether invited or not and ensure we stand firm and present our issues to be captured in Budget.  It was my first meeting I ever ‘gatecrashed’ in my ward and utilized the space to air and contribute to the budget making process. With Griffins, we made several inroads to County Offices – Gender and Youth-  as well as engaging County Assembly of Bungoma on Youth Policy and Youth Affairs. In him, I saw a guy who is informed, courageous, firm and gentle despite health challenges he was facing. Last week on 24^th January, we had planned an ELF Meeting but he asked me to lead the meeting as he was engaged elsewhere. As ELF-Bungoma Chapter, a king has fallen. A brother who understood what leadership is all about is gone. He paid for us (7 persons) bus fare to Nairobi to attend 2nd National Youth Symposium on Devolution while in a hospital bed and gave me blessings to take charge and represent the team in the symposium. That’s the man we have lost as a team. 

I am sad but I accept his demise and thank God for the time he gave us him.

May he go well.

With Griffins, we made several inroads to County Offices – Gender and Youth- as well as engaging County Assembly of Bungoma on Youth Policy and Youth Affairs. In him, I saw a guy who is informed, courageous, firm and gentle despite health challenges he was facing. 

Joyce Nabalayo– It’s utter shocking and unbelievable about the death of Griffin’s. I did call his number when I received the bad news! A staff at the Hospital confirmed that the Young and energetic King had departed. Griffins has been like a brother. Since the ELF Tunaweza programme, he has always inspired me to do more and act especially on Youth affairs and Leadership. We were planning bigger things together for this year but so unfortunate he has left. His legacy will live through us. Rest in peace Griffins.

Brian Seli– I personally received the shocking news with heavy heart and disbelief. He is one guy full of inspiration, soft speaking and with passion for youth empowerment. His connections and network in the corridors of County power gave us opportunity to meet the County Chiefs, CECMs, Chief Officers and even Directors especial on the Youth Affairs in the County and engaging County Assembly Youth Committee.

Last week we had planned an ELF meeting though he was engaged somewhere, he never failed to delegate the responsibility to someone else.

Our activeness in Budget making and devolution is alive and to keep his legacy, we are going to carry on the good work. He has gone, we are sad that we shall never get to hear from him again. His resolve to fight for Youth affairs and Children suffering from Anaemia lives on with all of us.

Rest in power Griffins.

Marian Mohammed– We have lived and worked with Griffin’s on Youth Activities, health and leadership for a very long time. He was a brother I cherished a lot. Whenever I wanted to consult or seek help he was always the go to person. On ELF, his work and coordination was exemplary. He constantly kept us active and running. He motivated us, from an informed point of view, to always keep the struggle and be a voice to the youth in the County, something which pushed us to start Bungoma Youth Connect, where he has been serving as President.

I am still confused, not knowing what to do but his legacy lives in us. As young as we are, with God’s favor, we will continue his dream, Peace and united team.

Rest in perfect power Brother.

 At ELF, we stand together with his family and his associates in this tough period. Griffins will forever be in our hearts and mind.

 Fare thee Well King Walubokho!