First, we make decisions, then decisions make us. Clay Oduor, the regional managing director Processing Africa (Network International) is a summation of his choices. First was the decision to leave Kenya to go abroad. Then the decision to come back. His most consequential one yet was the decision to convert to Islam. “That decision took me 10 years to make.”
But underneath this patina of adulthood is a childhood in Eastleigh, and a schooling at St Trizah’s that chalked out a man who describes himself as just another simple, ordinary guy. Just a guy from Eastlands. He says growing up there, in “Eastlando”, in such a diverse community made him who he is today. The kind of guy who knows everyone—and is known by everyone.
He is also the kind of guy who loves sitting and doing nothing. Do you do it often, I ask. "Yes," he says. I heard something in his voice that could not be changed. For this, he proffers no apologies. Or remonstrations. He offers no comments and I do not push.
At his office in Nairobi Kilimani’s Rose Avenue, we scratch the scab of his childhood, this man who pulled himself by his bootstraps.
What’s it like to be Clay?
Fun. Expectations. And ordinary. I like engaging with people and doing fun things. There are expectations from your parents, relatives, and colleagues. I live a simple ordinary life—born in Nairobi and grew up here.
What do you mean by fun?
Everything legal haha! Sports, being with people, and going on trips.
What kind of sports?
All sports except boxing and rugby. I avoided them because they were too dangerous and I might have hurt someone when playing. Lately, basketball and table tennis have been my go-to sports.
What’s your idea of a good weekend?
If the previous week was heavy, a good weekend would be to relax as much as possible for recovery. In the evening, I would watch some sports and be around friends. On Sunday I will have a relaxed time with the family.
What do you do only for Clay?
I can sit in a nice place quietly. No sound, no TV—just sitting there, doing nothing. What’s my mood at that time? That’s what determines my me-time. I love being sat there, listening to birds humming and children playing.
Do you have child/ren?
I have a son.
How’s fatherhood taking you?
It’s nice seeing my child grow up. He just finished Grade 7—he is graduating next week. I reflect on that baby I picked from the hospital, his first day in nursery, Grade 1 and now he is done.
What’s your fatherhood style?
I would be interested in his answer. I think I am a laid-back father, and I let him express himself. He has picked my sports genes—I see him gravitating toward golf and basketball.
What was the most surprising aspect of fatherhood that you did not expect?
There is no manual or formula. You figure it out on the go. Every day is new—you see him taking different paths, and how you are relating differently.
How are you raising him differently from how you were raised?
Hmm. Interesting question. Reflecting on how I grew up, vis-à-vis how our children are growing, it is quite different. Are they seeing the value in some of the things we are doing? I guess only time will tell. I want him to grow up like I did—taking up sports so he doesn’t just be a couch potato with his gadgets, closing himself off socially. That’s the only way he can develop diversity.
Do you have a special ritual only for you two?
Once in a while we go and compete against each other in basketball, football, or track racing. This is, however, ad hoc.
What is a simple story from your childhood that is a good representation of your life now?
I grew up in Eastlands which had many people. That meant I knew a lot of guys, which led me to have quite easy interactions with people. I went to St Trizah in Eastleigh for my primary levels. It had a lot of mixed races; our headmaster was a Goan from India. My childhood was informed by a diverse community—and that diversity shaped my approach to life. Growing up in Eastlands shaped my interaction with many people.
What do you remember most from your childhood?
There was so much. Playing in the estates, going to Jam Sessions. When I was in high school. My parents were fairly liberal—as long as you tell them where you are.
What was your nickname then?
Everyone calls me Clay. Even my late grandmother called me Clay. To the extent that if you came looking for a Mr Oduor people would wonder who that is. Later in life when I converted to Islam, people started calling me Abdulmalik…
What led you to change your religion?
Haha! I’ll summarise. The more I read the Bible, without a preconceived mindset, you realise that the Bible and everything in it point you toward Islam. When Jesus teaches as he who is going back, he refers to someone who will come—Jesus is confirming what was in the Old Testament, and that person is Prophet Mohamed, peace be upon him. There is the Old Testament, New Testament, and The Final Testament.
Was there a long-protracted battle for you before the final conversion?
Yes, 10 years.
What was the straw that finally broke the back?
I never set out to become a Muslim. I was just trying to read and understand the Bible, to understand the creator. It turned out differently from how I was thinking about it. Unlearn everything you know and learn it afresh—that is why it took me 10 years.
Have you found what you are looking for?
Yes, I think I have. I am not perfect, but there is only one God and his name is Allah.
What is something I wouldn’t believe about you?
Hmm. Although I grew up in Nairobi, a lot of illegal stuff has never come through my hands. I have never smoked a cigarette. I have a funny story. When I was in school my deskmate once put weed on my desk just to see what it was and I had no idea. I came to throw it away, and he came stopping me.
What does Clay struggle with as a man?
The life that we live, and the thought about how best can my son make the best of who he is and who he can be. I also struggle with [extended] family, how best can we prosper and live a decent life as a clan? At work, I must think of how to inspire but also lead. I always feel I can do more, and that means it will always be a concern.
What’s life’s simplest pleasure?
Sitting and doing nothing [chuckles].
What matters way more than you thought it would?
Hmm. Adulthood. It just happens to you, and suddenly you are an adult.
When you think of the weekend what comes to mind?
Recharge, relax, and catch up with family and friends. Doing something other than work.
What have you finally come to terms with?
Hmm. I was in my early 20s when I came to terms that my life is in my hands. The other one is my religion—being the only Muslim in our family, having grown up a Christian.
What is one question people never ask you but you wish they would?
Guys just assume who you are. I lived abroad before coming back, so most guys just assume I am a barbie, and that I grew up in privilege. When I speak about my childhood, they are surprised.
What do you know that I should know?
It’s fairly obvious, it’s just that perhaps our reflections and people’s reflections on them are what is not obvious. The first is if you are passionate about something, and you are consistent around it, and you keep working at it, it will pay off. Two, if you are an entrepreneur, a creative person, or a businessperson, don’t fall in love with your idea—commercialise it based on what the market wants, not on how it is in your mind. Let the market dictate.
Do you have a question for me?
Yes, but you have to give me a candid answer. How would you score me on content, and engagement versus others you have interviewed?
You are asking me to choose between my children. Let’s talk offline. Haha!
