Did you know that Kenyan law allows you to give your child any name you choose at any point in their life — even a name like Raila Amolo Odinga? Many parents name their children after public figures, and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga himself named his firstborn son Fidel Castro Odinga after the Cuban revolutionary leader.
According to lawyer Danstan Omari, it is perfectly legal to rename your child after birth. In a detailed explanation shared on Saturday, October 18, Omari clarified that the Kenyan Constitution provides room for name changes through Chapter 149, Section 14 of the Births and Registrations Act.
Changing a Child’s Name Under Two Years Old
For children below two years, the process is very simple.
Parents just need to submit an application to the Office of the Registrar of Births with the following documents:
- The child’s birth certificate
- Parents’ IDs or marriage certificate
- Proof of residence or address
- A processing fee of Ksh 40
Once these documents are submitted, the name can legally be changed — even to Raila or Raila Amolo Odinga.
Name Change for Children Above Two Years
For children above two years, the procedure involves more legal steps.
The key requirement is obtaining a deed poll.
What is a Deed Poll?
A deed poll is a written, signed, and witnessed legal document stating that the old name has been abandoned and a new name has been adopted. It is used as official proof when updating documents like:
- Birth certificate
- Passport
- ID card
- School records
The deed poll must clearly include:
- The old name
- The new name
- A formal declaration renouncing the old name
It must be signed in the presence of an advocate.
Additional Requirements for Children Above Two Years
Besides the deed poll, parents must also provide:
- A statutory declaration or affidavit from someone who has known the child or applicant for several years
- A letter from the area chief confirming citizenship or residence
- A fingerprint printout of the parent
- The child’s birth certificate
- Consent from the child if they are 16 years or older
Once all documents are ready, they must be submitted to the Registrar of Documents through the Office of the Attorney-General or Registrar General’s Department.
Gazette Publication
After the deed poll is officially registered, the name change must be published in the Kenya Gazette. This serves as a public notice and allows room for any objections.
Once gazetted and approved, the new name becomes legally recognised, and parents can update all official records, including:
- New birth certificate
- School documents
- Passport and ID (when applicable)
- Bank and medical records
Costs and Processing Time
- Drafting/registering a deed poll: Around Ksh 500
- Additional charges apply for Gazette publication and legal services
The full process usually takes about 60 days after gazettement, but this may vary depending on individual circumstances.
Important Considerations Before Naming Your Child “Raila Odinga”
Even though the law permits name changes, parents should be aware of possible challenges when choosing a name identical to a well-known public figure.
Authorities may reject a name if:
- It could mislead people into thinking you are that person
- It implies a title or rank you do not hold
- It appears to be intended for fraud or impersonation
Additionally, both parents must consent to the name change.
Final Thoughts
Changing your child’s name — even to Raila Odinga — is completely legal in Kenya, provided all procedures are followed correctly. Whether the child is a newborn or a teenager, the law provides a clear pathway to formalize the name change.
Just ensure you provide accurate documentation, follow legal guidelines, and avoid names that may cause confusion or misrepresentation.
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