Today, you might be shocked to learn that the name you’ve been calling your friend, boss, or colleague is actually not their real names but rather nicknames that they officially adopted. For instance, some Kenyan leaders have resorted to changing their names in order to adopt identities that resonate well with the electorate. In 2017, Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu included “Babayao” to his official name, Ferdinand Ndungu Waititu. The adoption of the name Babayao was hardly surprising, as the abrasive politician always used the same as his campaign slogan. His Nairobi counterpart, Governor Mike Sonko, previously known as Mbuvi Gideon Kioko formally acquired Mike Sonko as part of his official names in 2012. Unknown to many, Kiambu Senator Kimani Wamatangi also changed his name from Paul Njoroge Kimani. Before he became a politician, he was engaged in giving out water tanks in Kiambu hence was nicknamed Wamatangi (Kikuyu for the water tanks man). Muranga Governor Mwangi Wa Iria was initially known as Francis Mwangi when he used to work at the new Kenya Cooperative Creameries.
To win voters in 2013 in Murang'a, he also adopted the name Mwangi wa Iria promising to improve iria (Kikuyu for milk) production in the area. Selfmade Uasin Gishu billionaire Zedekiah Kiprop Bundotich, also adopted 'Buzeki' as his name which is an acronym of his full name. Nonetheless, if you’re considering getting a legal name change yourself, the biggest thing to keep in mind is that it is a process, rather than a one-stop shop. You may need services of a lawyer to effect the desired change through the use of a legal document called a deed poll ,at the Principal Registry office. Read on to find out how you can officially register your nickname and use it as your official name.. Under what circumstances can you change your name in Kenya? People legally change their first, middle, or last names for a variety of reasons: 1. You can change your name at any time and for any reason provided, it is not to deceive or defraud or to avoid an obligation. 2. If a married person makes an application for a change of name, then their spouse has to give consent to the proposed change of name.
3. For a divorced person, a certificate from an advocate that he/she is living separately from their spouse is required.
If the applicant is divorced then their certificate of marriage or evidence of marriage together with decree absolute or certificate of divorce will be required, to facilitate the change of name.
4. Unmarried mothers whose children were registered with the father’s surname and wish for their children to have their surname.
5. In case you have anomalies in identification documents like the ID card or the Passport.
6. When a person is undergoing a gender reassignment.
7. If you feel you have an unpleasant-sounding given name or even an embarrassing name. Restrictions for changing your name in Kenya? The registrar may refuse to accept a change of name, if; 1. The change is impossible to pronounce.
2. Includes numbers, symbols or punctuation marks.
3. Chosen names are vulgar, offensive or blasphemous.
4. Other names that can be rejected are those that promote criminal activities, racial or religious hatred or use of controlled drugs.
5. Other names that cannot be registered are those that ridicule people, groups, Government departments, companies or organisations.
6. Names that may result in the belief that you have a conferred or inherited honour, title, rank or academic award, for example, a change of the first name to: