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Obama's Election Inspires Baby Naming in Kenya

by Josh Lew (RSS feed) on Nov 6th 2008 at 12:00PM

Aaron recently wrote a post here on Gadling about a production of Obama: The Musical in Kenya. The song and dance-filled bio-play shows how ridiculously popular Barack is in his father's home country. Well, some Kenyans are upping the ante further by naming their children, and their beer, after the prez-elect. "Senator" Beer, a locally made brew, was inspired by Obama's previous political rank. No word yet on how sales stack up against perennial favorite, Tusker.

Mothers in Obama's ancestral homeland of Kisumu have been naming their newborns Barack Obama, or some variation thereof. Have a girl? No problem. Several female babies in the province bear the name of Michelle Obama. Sharing your name with the future president of the US doesn't come without its share of pressures. One mother told a Reuters reporter that she expects great thing out of her pint-sized Barack Obama. "I would like that by the time he is in his 40s he becomes the president of this country."

I know there is a lot of excitement now, but wouldn't it be wise to wait to see how Obama performs in office before naming your child after him? I mean, what if your parents had named you after Richard Nixon?

And it appears that a few Americans are getting in on the fad as well.

Gallery: 2008 Presidential Election, Kenya-Style

[Via Reuters]

Filed under: Kenya, News

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 7)

marie Nov 6th 2008 2:27PM

stuipd people

EDWONG Nov 6th 2008 5:07PM

LOOKS LIKE YOU'RE THE STUPID ONE BECAUSE YOU CAN'T EVEN SPELL S-T-U-P-I-D

taylor Nov 7th 2008 2:30PM

what is so stupid about it, it is just a name people have done things like this for years, the name is different not like a billie bob or sallie sue - they are just names people are excited - life goes on

Boot Nov 11th 2008 1:29PM

Spot on, Marie! How ignorant! If he screws the USA up as bad as is predicted, the last freakin' name these kids want is his! Ah, well, off to Name-Changing Court they can goooooooo!
EdWong never makes mistakes or typos? Lighten up, Dude, Marie has an opinion and the right to share it. Don't like it, bleep off.

Dee Nov 6th 2008 2:29PM

Your an idiot Joe

Laura Nov 6th 2008 5:50PM

Shouldn't they wait until AFTER his term is over ... or at least starts? I mean, what if he ends up being worse than Bush? What's your lil' rugrat going to do then?

Mike Nov 6th 2008 6:42PM

It's spelled you're...so now who's an idiot?

Jennifer Nov 6th 2008 8:26PM

Actually, it should be "you're an idiot" not "your an idiot".....sooooooo, you aren't very intelligent either.

Mae Nov 6th 2008 2:34PM

Well Joe, your middle name must be Obama, b/c you seem to be something less than a mangy dog. There's nothing worse than a sore loser -- deal with it, the world is changing and you're not a part of it . . . oh and you'd better check you family tree, I have a feeling your mama is black!

Bubba Nov 6th 2008 2:35PM

For all of you haters, guess what, Barack is a Hebrew name, if you don't believe me look to the book of Judges, I'll say no more than the name means a blessing will come.

Nona Lucas Nov 6th 2008 2:41PM

Sounds like someone wasn't listening. He is not a Muslim. He is a Christian. Do your homework. Also seems you are very prejudice. And living in the past. Very hateful person. Someone needs to get a life. I will pray God forgives you for being such an ugly person.

Jennifer Nov 6th 2008 8:42PM

You are a meanie head.

Boot Nov 11th 2008 1:37PM

We did do our homework. I researched this guy relentlessly and was informed he is a muslim. He is 50% white, 46% arab and 4% african-american. FOUR PERCENT BLACK.
Those who supported him are going to have a rude rude awakening. Here in Houston, certain people are saying that he said they don't have to pay their bills or mortgage anymore. He is "going to take care of them." They heard him say that? Yes, they reply, that is what he said. Um, okay.
I say we all scatter like freshly poisoned ants out to the gun shops and get protection before it's against the law to bear arms! Buh bye!!

Nona Lucas Nov 11th 2008 9:01PM

Your source of information is completely wrong. I'm convinced that brainwashing is alive and well in this country. I think you need to research your information on gun control and what Mr. Obama said in the beginning of his campaign to present. If buying an unlimited amount of guns will make you happy then do so because gun store will be one business that will not require a bail out by the government.

k Nov 6th 2008 2:43PM

its funny how stupid you people are !!!!!!He is not a muslim. And if he was would it really matter? We live in a country we were are free to be any religion we choose. Where you are allowed to say the ignorant things you are saying! And remember the majority of this great country you live in voted for this man!

whatever Nov 6th 2008 2:52PM

No, my dear, I'm afraid you are mistaken. The majority of the country did NOT vote for Barak. It just so happens that the ones who DID vote for him were in the states that had the most electoral votes. The popular vote doesn't matter. So don't go blaming the "majority of the country" for electing him.