What's in a name? Politicians who have changed their names to woo voters

What is the value of a nickname? For some, a nickname is simply a way for friends and family to fondly identify one by.

However, in the world of politics, it can make the difference between winning an elective seat, and being left in the cold.

For politicians, a nickname is how supporters identify them and sometimes, what they bring to the table.

It is for this reason that some politicians have opted to legally change their names to incorporate the nicknames their supporters identify them by.

The latest person to go the way of changing her name, is businesswoman-turned- politician, Tabitha Karanja.

Karanja is best known for her Nakuru-based alcoholic beverages empire – Keroche Breweries – which has taken on large firms over its more than two-decade existence to claim its space.

Karanja is seeking the Nakuru senator position and it is perhaps for this reason, that in April, she decided to drop her maiden name and adopt Keroche in her name. The name that will appear on the ballot paper, during the August polls will be Tabitha Karanja Keroche.

She is banking on the popularity of her Keroche brand to woo in voters, some of whom, may otherwise not immediately associate her name with the brand.

Before Karanja, other politicians have gone down the road of changing their names.

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi, in 2012 changed his name to Mike Sonko. He was the Makadara Member of Parliament at the time. The word sonko is sheng for rich – the flamboyant former governor is known to have a penchant for flaunting his wealth – with ‘blinged out’ gold jewellery, designer clothes and shoes and an overall fancy lifestyle.

Another politician who changed his name is Ferdinand Waititu. His supporters referred to him as ‘Baba yao’, which loosely translates to ‘their father’. The nickname came about during Waititu’s campaigns for the Embakasi MP seat in 2008. It stuck, so much so, that the politician decided to legally change his name to include the Babayao tag ahead of the 2017 polls.

In January 2017, Waititu submitted documents to change his name. to be referred to as Ferdinand Waititu Babayao.

Others who have gone on to adopt their nicknames include Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria, whose official name was Francis Mwangi. Wa Iria is loosely translated to milkman in Kikuyu. The name came from his time at Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC) - now known as New KCC.

Kiambu Senator Kimani Wamatangi, whose official name was Paul Kimani, also opted to use his ‘Wamatangi’ nickname. The word loosely translates to ‘the water tank person’. The nickname came from his support for residents in his county, whom he helped buy water tanks.

Kieni MP Kanini Kega also stopped using his original name - James Ndungu and opted for the name, which means ‘small and good’.