Lilian Ng’ang’a calls out gender bias in child naming system
Former Machakos First Lady Lilian Ng’ang’a has spoken out against the long-standing tradition of child naming, questioning why mothers’ names are often disregarded while fathers’ names take precedence.
In an Instagram post on Friday, March 28, 2025, Lilian argued that children should always carry both their parents’ names, stressing that a mother’s name is just as significant and should never be sidelined.
Lilian, who has a son named Utheri, went on to say that, beyond parents, additional names, such as those of grandparents or other influential figures, could also be considered, but the exclusion of the mother in the naming system is something she has never understood.
“Children should always have both parents’ names and then probably add the grandparents or whoever else. I’ve never understood the disregard of the child’s mother in the naming system,” she posted, adding the hashtag #lthoughts.
Ng’ang’a’s statement has sparked widespread discussion, with many agreeing that the long-standing practice often prioritises paternal lineage while downplaying the mother’s role. Others, however, defended the traditional naming conventions, citing cultural and historical reasons.
Here are some comments from a repost of her Instagram story:
@Njeri_K: “Finally, someone is saying it out loud! A mother carries the child for nine months, yet her name is rarely considered. It’s time to change this outdated tradition!”
@TheRealOtieno: “I see where you’re coming from, but let’s not forget that in many cultures, surnames are used to maintain lineage. Maybe a double-barrel surname could work?”
@MamaJabali: “This has always bothered me. The mother is equally important in a child’s life, and her name should be acknowledged. I love this perspective!”
@KevTheScholar: “Interesting point, but wouldn’t adding too many names create unnecessary confusion? There’s a reason why the father’s name has traditionally been the identifier.”
@ZaharaWrites: “Respect to Lilian for calling this out. Women contribute just as much to a child’s identity. Let’s normalise naming systems that honour both parents!”
Hitting back at critics
Ng’ang’a’s latest remarks come amid ongoing scrutiny of her personal life—a topic she has repeatedly addressed with unshaken confidence.
In a strongly worded statement on Instagram on Friday, March 14, 2025, she clapped back at critics who have continually dissected her romantic history, asserting that she refuses to be defined by public opinion.
She dismissed the backlash she has faced over her past relationships, questioning why people remain fixated on this aspect of her life.
“How can the fact that I’ve been with only two men since I was 25 make me all the foolish things you call me?” she posed.
Asserting her achievements, Ng’ang’a reminded her detractors that she had successfully contested for political office twice and emerged victorious on both occasions—an accomplishment she emphasised many of her critics would never experience.
“I was lucky to run two elections and win—something some of you will never get to experience. So whether you like it or not, I’ll continue to share my opinion on different matters. This is just the beginning,” she declared defiantly.
Breakup with Juliani
Just days before this, on March 10, 2025, Ng’ang’a made headlines once again after finally addressing her long-speculated breakup with renowned hip-hop artiste Julius Owino, popularly known as Juliani.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Dr. Ofweneke, she candidly shared her outlook on relationships, stating that she does not believe in holding onto something when its time is up.
“I never struggle to just hold on to something when its time is over. I appreciate what we’ve had, memories or lessons, and then we just move on,” she explained, making it clear that she has no regrets about her past relationships.
She further revealed that intelligence is her greatest weakness in relationships, though she admitted that it has not always worked in her favour.
She expressed a preference for a man who stimulates her mind and introduces her to new perspectives rather than one who merely possesses superficial attributes like looks or social status.
“My weakness, I have come to realise, is that I’m attracted to intelligence, which doesn’t always pay off. I like a man who stimulates my mind and teaches me something I don’t know,” she stated.
The split between Ng’ang’a and Juliani had been the subject of speculation since September 2024, when keen social media users noticed that the pair had unfollowed each other and stopped interacting online.
As the rumours gained traction, Juliani subtly confirmed the breakup in a past interview, acknowledging that they had parted ways but opting not to divulge further details. “Even my previous relationship was ongoing for two years before people knew about it,” he remarked, indicating his preference for privacy.
During the height of the speculation, the rapper took to social media with a cryptic message, which many interpreted as his way of dismissing the curiosity surrounding his personal life: “Wako bent kujua njia za G. Kenye wanapata ni letter katikati ya M and P.” Loosely translated, his statement suggested that while people were eager to dig into his life, they were unlikely to find anything of significance.
Ng’ang’a and Juliani’s relationship had been under public scrutiny since her highly publicised breakup with former Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua, who now serves as Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection. The two had tied the knot in 2022 and later welcomed a son together before going their separate ways.
Now, with her latest remarks on child naming traditions, Ng’ang’a has once again ignited a conversation—this time advocating for a more inclusive approach that acknowledges both parents equally.
