The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) chairperson, Johnson Muthama, has adopted a new name ahead of the August 9 General Election.
According to Gazette Notice dated Friday, May 20, the UDA Machakos gubernatorial aspirant has renounced the name Johnson Nduya Muthama adopting Johnson Nduya Muthama Kiamba.
The new name will be used for all his official functions and other government purposes as stated in the Gazette Notice.
"For all purposes and authorizes and requests all persons at all times to designate, describe and address him by his
assumed name Johnson Nduya Muthama Kiamba only," the notice read
Kisii deputy governor, Joash Maangi, has also altered his name. According to the notice, he abandoned use of his former name Joash Arthur Maangi Gongera, and assumed and adopted the name Joash Emori Maangi.
UDA Murang'a senatorial hopeful, Joe Joseph Nyutu Ngugi, has renounced his name adopting the name Joe Nyutu for all official purposes.
The change of names by politicians is a common phenomenon as it helps them be easily identified by the electorate.
Last month, Keroche Breweries Chief Executive Officer, Tabitha Mukami Mungai, adopted a name that would make her easily identifiable in the polls.
The business mogul opted to drop her maiden name and adopt her company’s brand.
The Keroche CEO made the daring move after announcing her bid to vie for Nakuru's senatorial bid in the forthcoming polls. The businesswoman changed her name from Tabitha Mukami Mungai to Tabitha Karanja Keroche.
Other politicians have adopted nicknames and officiated them. Among those who have taken this route include Gidion Kioko Mbuvi who adopted the name Mike Sonko, Paul Kimani to Paul Kimani Wamatangi, Ferdinand Waititu to Ferdinand Waititu Babayao, and Mwangi Wa Iria.
Changing names in Kenya is surprisingly easy. As long as one can pay the legal and statutory fees for the procedure, which is in the region of Ksh6,000, they are good to go.
The process of changing a name involves your lawyer drawing up a deed poll, pay the applicable stamp duty, and lodges it at the Central Land Registry in Nairobi.
Upon registration, they prepare the notice for publication by the Kenya Gazette to inform the public of the action taken.
