Kennedy Rapudo Explains Why He Won’t Replace Gavin’s Present Biological Father

Kenyan businessman Kennedy Rapudo has addressed growing curiosity about why his fiancée Amber Ray’s son, Gavin, does not call him “dad.” The conversation erupted after a viral clip from Rapudo’s interview with Dr. Ofweneke sparked widespread reactions across social media.

“Gavin’s Father Is Present”

Speaking to journalists at the Pulse Influencer Awards, Rapudo set the record straight. “I have not seen that because I deactivated social media, so I did not see those reactions,” he said. “Let me clarify—Gavin’s dad is a present father.”

Drawing parallels with his own co-parenting experience, Rapudo cited his daughter Savani, whom he continues to raise and support despite her mother remarrying.

“For example, look at my daughter Savani. I am a present dad. I pay her school fees and provide everything she needs even though her mother is married,” he said .

He emphasized that his situation helps him understand the importance of respecting existing parental roles. “How do I start explaining to Savani that she should call the other guy dad and also call me dad? That’s confusing to a child,” he explained.

Respecting Boundaries in Blended Families

According to Rapudo, Gavin’s biological father remains active in his son’s life, and he does not intend to disrupt that bond.

“Gavin is 15 years old and spends time with his father. Sometimes he comes to pick him up and they go somewhere and have a good time, and I do not want to replace that,” he said.

Also read :Kennedy Rapudo Responds to Amber Ray Divorce Rumours

Rapudo added that Gavin affectionately calls him “Papa Africana,” a name he appreciates and embraces. “Whatever name he calls me, I’m okay with that. He has his real dad, and I don’t want to change that,” he said.

“Being a Father Is About Presence, Not Titles”

Rapudo concluded by stressing that his role as a parental figure is defined by his actions, not by what he is called.

“As long as Gavin is in my house, he is my son. But he doesn’t have to call me dad,” he said. “It doesn’t mean that because he calls me Papa Africana, I am less of a father to him. I do everything a father does for a son, but he knows he has a dad.”

His remarks have been widely viewed as a thoughtful perspective on blended family dynamics and the balance between love, respect, and boundaries.

Viral Clip Sparks Debate

In the video, Rapudo mentioned that Gavin doesn’t refer to him as his father — a comment that quickly spread online, drawing mixed opinions.

Some fans praised his honesty, while others questioned the family dynamic and whether there was tension between Rapudo and Gavin’s biological father.

As the clip circulated, many social media users speculated about Rapudo’s role in the teenager’s life, given his close relationship with Amber Ray.

The businessman, however, has clarified that his words were misinterpreted and that his position as a father figure remains firm despite the titles used.