How men with female surnames are standing up to ridicule in Kenya

How Men with Female Surnames Challenge Norms in Kenya

How men with female surnames are standing - Kenya is witnessing a growing movement among men who are choosing to adopt their mothers' names as surnames, defying traditional practices that have long favored paternal lineage. While this shift is gaining traction, it has sparked discussions and, in some cases, mockery from those who view it as a departure from cultural expectations.

Breaking Generational Patterns

Historically, children in Kenya have inherited their father's first name as their surname. However, this trend is evolving, especially within the Kikuyu community, Kenya’s largest ethnic group. Men who bear female surnames now face public scrutiny, unlike women who often embrace their mother’s name without hesitation. Some opt for this choice to honor their mothers, while others see it as a statement of identity in a society still shaped by patriarchal norms.

"Why give somebody credit where it does not exist?"

Says Simon Macharia Wangũi, a journalist who chose his mother’s name as his official surname. Raised by his grandmother after his mother’s death in 2003, Wangũi only applied for a birth certificate in his final year of high school, revealing his lack of a surname until then. His decision has drawn attention, reflecting a broader challenge to long-standing traditions.

Political and Artistic Influence

The trend has even reached the political sphere, with several lawmakers bearing female surnames. MP John Njũgũna Wanjikũ, known as "Ka-Wanjikũ" or "child of Wanjikũ," is a notable example. Brought up by a single mother, he was elected in 2021 and has become a symbol of this changing norm. Similarly, in music, Peter Kĩgia, a benga artist, has long used his mother’s name, Kĩgia wa Esther, as part of his stage identity. His record company, Wa Esther Productions, highlights the cultural significance of such choices.

Younger artists like Waithaka wa Jane and 90K Ka Msoh are also embracing their mothers' names, though their formal names remain male. This reflects a growing acceptance of female surnames in public life, even as some remain hesitant.

Cultural Resistance and Rationale

Despite progress, cultural resistance persists. Evans Kibe Waceke, a broadcaster with a female surname, notes that some Kenyans still associate single-parent upbringing with a lack of moral stability. "People perceive you as undisciplined, especially when raised by a single mother," he explains. Yet, the trend is driven by factors like the rise of single-mother families, which are now more common than before.

Wairimũ Mũkũrũ, a Kikuyu cultural expert, highlights that the practice often stems from the absence of a known father. In such cases, the mother’s eldest brother may step in, taking on a paternal role. However, this has not always been embraced, as some fear it could lead to disputes over inheritance. Mũgwe wa Njũhĩ, an official in the Kikuyu cultural group Kiama Kĩa Ma, acknowledges this reluctance but argues that the stigma is unwarranted.

"Do you know how embarrassing it is for a boy to be called out, in a room full of kids, [with] a girl's name?"

Fred Mũitĩrĩri shared his experience on Facebook, detailing how his female surname affected his self-esteem. He eventually dropped it, opting for his English and Kikuyu first names. His story underscores the emotional weight of the debate, which gained momentum two years ago when motivational speaker Robert Burale claimed the practice undermined men’s masculinity.

Roots in Kikuyu Heritage

The Kikuyu people’s cultural narrative adds depth to the conversation. According to legend, the community traces its lineage to the 10 daughters of the first couple, Gikũyũ and Mũmbi. This ancestral connection challenges the notion that female surnames are inherently less traditional, offering a historical basis for their use among men.

As the movement continues, it remains a cultural anomaly, with sons of unmarried women typically assigned male surnames. Yet, the growing acceptance of female names among men signals a shift in how identity and heritage are perceived in Kenyan society.