Child Naming Debate: Lillian Ng'ang'a's Views Spark Online Debate

Former wife of singer Juliani and ex-partner of Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, Lillian Ng'ang'a, has sparked an online debate about the naming system for children.

Through her Instagram page on Friday, Lillian shared her opinion on the matter, stating that it is only fair for a child to carry the names of both parents.

"Children should have the names of both parents, and if possible, also include the names of grandparents or any other significant figure. I have never understood why the mother's name is often disregarded in the naming process," Lillian wrote.

Her statement has elicited mixed reactions online, with some supporting her view while others argue that the naming system has been a cultural norm for a long time and cannot be changed overnight.

Read some of the comments below:

Premier League It's called tradition. To extend lineage, babies are often named after grandparents, granduncles, and grandaunts.

Omare James It seems like she’s overthinking this.

R.ICON @R_ICON_Megaddog What exactly is she trying to tell us? Does she have a partner who supports this idea?

@Maish_Maina @Maina_GenZ Her reasoning and logic seem completely disconnected.

Wanjohi Paul @WanjohiPaul5 This perspective seems to come from someone advocating for single motherhood. Kariuki?

@Ekei_nyaga One should start by making personal changes before attempting to change the entire system.

?????? ?. @GM_Certified Someone should tell her this isn't the most practical argument.

James Newton @JNPhantom This opinion doesn't add much to the discussion.

Mr fix_ @Kahwasenior She might not be aware that a mother's ID is already required when applying for a child’s identification.

Mashru Wafula @MashruWafula Did Juliani agree to his child having a Kikuyu name? 

Oleg @gnunjuguna This system already exists in cases where fathers are not involved.

Gadaffi⛓️ @malone_Gadaffi Is she afraid of considering other perspectives?

This is not the first time the issue of children's names has been a topic of discussion. In previous years, there have been various efforts to reform the naming system to ensure that mothers are also recognized in a child's official identity.

In 2016, the High Court of Kenya ruled that a child born out of wedlock has the right to bear the father’s name on their birth certificate, even if the father refuses to acknowledge the child.

This debate continues and will likely spark further discussions on the role of mothers in parenting and the identification of children in Kenya and beyond.

Lillian Ng'ang'a, who is now a mother of one, has been vocal in addressing women's rights and family-related issues.

After confirming her separation from Juliani earlier this year, she has focused more on her personal life and social projects.