Controversial Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, formally Paul Ongili, has adopted a new name.
While attending the intercultural handshake meeting between the Luos and the Agikuyu community at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo on Saturday, October 10, Owino christened himself Kahuthia.
He explained that he took on the new name after successful talks between the two communities held at the home of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
"Attending the intercultural handshake between the Luos and the Agikuyu community at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo.
"No more fights between the two communities. My Kikuyu name from today is Kahuthia. Babu Owino Kahuthia," explained the lawmaker.
The lawmaker, who is married to Frida Muthoni, stated that 2,000 individuals from Mt Kenya region attended the ceremony.
In the Kikuyu tradition, the name Kahuthia means taking things lightly, which led to people questioning why the lawmaker opted for the name.
"Kahuthia means taking everything lightly. Meaning the event to you has no weight," wondered Joel Kamau.
"Your Kikuyu name based on this event says a lot. It is safe to take it lightly...as your name implies," added another.
At the event, the two communities committed to work together in promoting their cultural interests in the context of a peaceful, united and prosperous nation.
They recognised that the country could only develop in an environment of peace and unity.
They agreed that the country could not afford to be polarised on the basis of ethnic and social status.
The elders resolved to continue with the dialogue and invite other communities to take part in the transformation of the country.
"We the elders of the Luo and Kikuyu communities, coming together at the home of our patriarch Jaramogi Oginga Odinga have expressed our deep concerns for the problems facing our nation.
"We deeply appreciate the initiative taken by President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to unite our nation through the handshake under the BBI, and we eagerly await the launch of the proposals very soon," Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o read out the message during the event.
