In Kenya, some parents name their newborns after notable figures, including politicians. Recently, a baby was named after Wavinya Ndeti, the Governor of Machakos County.
Governor Ndeti shared her joy upon discovering the baby named after her during a visit to Kithyoko Health Centre.
On her social media, she expressed, “I was very excited to find a newborn named after me moments after I walked into the Kithyoko Health Centre. I couldn’t resist the urge to throw an early baby shower for her!”
She added, “I am happy that as I was just getting in, a baby had just been born and named Wavinya Ndeti. She is a lady. I thank God.”
In a video seen by the Kenya times, Wavinya presented diapers, baby clothes and various baby package items in celebration of the newborn.
Reactions from Kenyans
Many Kenyans have responded to the event, with some raising concerns about the alleged 679 million deposited in the United Kingdom (UK). Others have questioned the developmental value of the event.
There is a notable dissatisfaction among Kenyans, who express a desire for developments. They feel that naming the newborn does not address their urgent needs. While some appreciate her notable efforts, the majority criticize her for neglecting development initiatives.
One Kenyan requested, “Wavinya, please make us roads in Malaa and Joska, County roads, even the old Kangundo road please.”
Additionally, many Kenyans have urged the Governor to rather focus on development initiatives in the County.
Also Read: Isaac Mwaura Elated by Luo Family That Named Son After Him
Twins Named After Ruto & Rachel
Children being named after prominent individuals is not new in Kenya. Most Kenyan children born during momentous occasions take after the names of the prominent individuals connected to the occasion.
On August 10, 2022, Branda Chepkorir, a resident of Roret village in Bureti Subcounty happened to give birth to twins just hours after casting her vote.
The twins who were a boy and a girl born at the Kericho County Referral Hospital were at that point named after President William Ruto and the First Lady Rachel Ruto.
In an interview with the Kenya News Agency (KNA) at the facility Chepkorir cited the decision to name them to commemorate the General Elections that had just culminated.
“On 9 August, I went and cast my vote at Reresik Primary School within Bureti Sub-County, and immediately afterward on reaching my home I started experiencing labor pains and my family rushed me to Kericho County Referral Hospital where I gave birth to my twins via caesarian section at around 2 pm,” Chepkorir recounted during the interview with KNA.
Further, Chepkorir added, “I am happy that Kenyans exercised peace during the elections, so I decided to call my twins after the newly elected President, Dr. William Ruto, and his wife Rachel Ruto because he is a leader who loves peace.”
Also Read: Wavinya Ndeti Declares Ksh5 Billion Wealth
Kamba Naming System
Naming systems in Kenya vary differently depending on the community involved. The Kamba community is also not left behind in regard to this important occasion in an individual’s life.
In most cases, the Kamba community names the first four children, two boys and two girls after the grandparents of both sides.
The first boy will be named after the paternal father while the second is named after the maternal grandfather.
In addition, the girls are also named following the same pattern.
After the four children have been named, the other children could be given any other names.
The names given may be after relatives, or family friends from both sides of the family. Mostly, in the community, the children were given descriptive names depending on the circumstances they were born in.
For instance,
- “Nduku/Katuku” (girl) and “Mutuku/Kituku” (boy) mean born at night.
- “Mumbua/Syombua/ Mbula” (girl) and “Wambua/Mbua” (boy) for the time of rain.
- “Kiloko” (girl) and “Kioko” (boy) were born in the morning.
Additionally, the Kamba community names are given to newborns to preserve good names for later children.
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