How men with female surnames are standing up to ridicule in Kenya
Summary
In Kenya, more men from the Kikuyu ethnic group are choosing or inheriting their mother’s surname instead of their father’s, which is a shift from traditional customs. This change has led to debate and sometimes criticism, especially for men, while women with mother’s surnames face less judgment.Key Facts
- Traditionally, Kenyan children take their father’s first name as their surname.
- An increasing number of Kikuyu men are using their mother’s surname.
- Women with mother’s surnames often take their husband’s name after marriage.
- Some men choose their mother’s name to honor their mothers or because their fathers were absent.
- Using a mother’s surname can bring respect and signify love for the mother.
- There is social stigma and ridicule for men bearing female surnames in Kenya.
- Some notable figures, such as politician John Njuguna Wanjiku and musician Peter Kiagia, use their mother’s surname.
- The rise of female surnames is linked to more single-mother households in the country.
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