RECAP: Meaning Of Some Common Kenyan Names

Former Embakasi MP Ferdinand Waititu. The name Waititu means someone born in or close to a forest in the Kikuyu language. | image source: the-star.co.ke

This week during the Radio Jambo Breakfast Show this week, Gidi and Ghost have been selecting a common Kenyan name for which their listeners will have to tell them its meaning so as to stand the chance of winning a prize.

The names whose meaning they asked for this week are Otieno, Kipkoech, Wepukhulu, Mwende and Waititu. The meaning of the names are as follows:

1. OTEINO - Luo name given to a boy born at night. The female equivalent is Atieno.

2. KIPKOECH - Kalenjin name given to a boy born in the early hours of the morning. The female is equivalent is Chepkoech.

3. WEPUKHULU* - Luhya name given to a boy born with pale skin.

4. MWENDE - Kamba name meaning love that is given to a girl. The male equivalent is Wendo.

5. WAITITU - Kikuyu name given to a boy born in or near a forest.

WEPUKHULU* - Ghost is the one who suggested to Gidi that they ask for the meaning of that name. Funny enough, Ghost did not know what the name meant and after asking for listeners to give its meaning on air, Ghost left the studio and find out its meaning from Luhya colleagues at the office. He was not successful but was finally rescued when a caller who is well-versed in matters Luhya called and gave the answer as a boy born with pale skin. Don't we all love Ghost.