Naming children has evolved from a routine task to a creative expression, and Kenya’s celebrity parents are at the forefront, crafting unique identities for their little ones. Diana Marua poses with Heaven and Majesty Bahati (left) and Juliani’s wife, Lilian Nganga, bonds with their son Utheri (right). We take a look at kids who are stealing the spotlight and perhaps even trend-setting not just because of who their parents are but also for their one-of-a-kind names. 1. The Bahatis Singer Kevin Bahati and his wife Diana Marua named their kids Heaven and Majesty Bahati. Heaven, who recently graduated from kindergarten, is five years old, while her brother, Majesty, just turned four. That being said, the couple have other kids: Mueni, Morgan and Malaika. 2. Juliani and Lilian Nganga’s son Singer Julius Owino, aka Juliani, and his wife Lilian Nganga have one son whom they named Utheri. Utheri is a Kikuyu name which means light. 3. Amber Ray and Kennedy Rapudo’s daughter Socialite Amber Ray and her lover Kennedy Rapudo welcomed their first child together in May 2023. To the amazement of fans, they decided to name the newborn girl Africanah Rapudo, a simple but uncommon name. 4. Vera Sidika and Brown Mauzo’s kids Socialite Vera Sidkia and her ex-boyfriend, singer Brown Mauzo, were blessed with two children while still together. The pair opted to name their first child, born in October 2021, Asia, and their son, who they had soon after, Ice Brown. 5. King Kaka’s kids Musician King Kaka and his wife Nana Owiti named their kids Gwyneth, aka Gweth Ombima, and Prince Iroma Ombima. In a past interview, the singer said his son’s name, Iroma, means Umenitosha. 6. Eko Dydda’s kids Singer Eko Dydda took a different approach to naming his kids, combining a couple of words to create the names. Although they might be mouthfuls, we can all confirm they are one of a kind. The singer’s sons are named Keepitreal Favour Dydda and Amblessed Wisdom Dydda. The boys seem to have taken an interest in music, having been spotted performing with their father in the past. 7. Size 8 and DJ Mo’s daughter Singer and preacher Size 8 and her hubby DJ Mo had their first child together in 2015, and they named her Ladasha Belle, meaning God’s beautiful gift. 8. Oga Obinna’s kids Media personality Oga Obinna has four kids from three baby mamas. He has a son named Luironne and a daughter who goes by Laleiti. 9. Pierra Makena’s daughter Popular female DJ Pierra Makena named her daughter Ricca Pokot. The girl, a budding actress and DJ, obviously following in her mother’s footsteps, was born in 2016. 10. Jacque Maribe and Eric Omondi’s child Former news anchor Jacque Maribe and comedian Eric Omondi have a son together named Zahari. Although the pair have been co-parenting, Eric has in the past demanded a paternity test, claiming he does not believe he sired the child. The matter did not sit well with Maribe, who clapped back at the comedian, asking him to stop mentioning her and her child. 11. Massawe Japanni’s kids Media personality Massawe Japanni has three daughters with her hubby Tom Japanni. Two of her kids are named Taji, which means crown, and Soraya. 12. Janet Mbugua’s kids Former news anchor Janet Mbugua has two sons with her ex-husband Eddie Ndichu. The boys are named Huru and Mali Ndichu. Mbugua and Ndichu recently went on a dinner date with the boys to celebrate Huru’s birthday. 13. Annabel Onyango’s children Celebrity stylist Annabel Onyango and her husband Marek Fuchs have two children named Kenzo and Rio Nile Anděl. Rio was born in 2019 and was named after Africa’s longest river, the Nile, a nod to his Nilotic roots. 14. Terry Anne Chebet’s daughter Media personality Terry Anne Chebet has two daughters and two baby daddies with whom she enjoys co-parenting. Her youngest daughter is called Talaa and turned 6 in late 2023. 15. Bridget Achieng’s son Former Nairobi Diaries actress Bridget Achieng’ has one son with her estranged West African lover. She named the boy Sekani Rich Opeyemi. Sekani is an Egyptian name meaning Joy. Bridget also named the boy Opeyemii after his father
by Brandy Kemunto