Sadly, here I am writing Kabendera’s ‘obit’ and hoping he will write mine

After a fellowship in the UK, Tanzanian Erick Kabendera became unstoppable as an investigative international journalist. ILLUSTRATION | JOHN NYAGA

Being considerably older than Erick Kabendera, I secretly always hoped that he would one day write my obituary, both as a friend and professional colleague.

We worked together, laughed together, drove across vast Tanzania — just two of us in the car, taking turns at the wheel. I have seen him grow as he has seen me age. But now, I write Erick’s obituary first, hoping he will also write mine when my time comes to go.