A beehive of activity has been witnessed at the Government Printer in Nairobi as the August 9th elections draw closer.

Politicians eyeing various seats in the upcoming elections are in a hurry to change their official names to reflect their better-known identities.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga is among several aspirants who have appeared in recent issues of the Kenya Gazette, which is published by the Government Printer.

Kahiga, who is seeking to retain his seat under the UDA party, changed his name from Edward Mutahi Kahiga to “Mwalimu Edward Mutahi Kahiga”, Nation reports.

Nairobi woman representative aspirant Wangui Ng’ang’a appeared in last Friday’s issue of the publication after changing her official name to B. Ng’ang’a Wangui from Benadict Wangui Ng’ang’a.

The February 18th issue of the Kenya Gazette shows Hillary Kiprotich Sigei, who is vying for the Bomet senatorial seat, changed his identity to Wakili Hillary Kiprotich Sigei.

Augustine Kamande Kamau, who is eyeing the Roysambu parliamentary seat, changed his name to Augustine Kamande Mwafrika.

On February 4th, Nyeri governorship contender Crispus Gachara Kamanga officially changed his name to Anko G. Gachara wa Kamanga.

On January 28th, Peter Ng’ang’a Maina changed his name to “Maina Ng’ang’a wa Safari”. He is running for a ward representative seat in Kirinyaga County.

Last year, Christopher Wanjohi Githinji, an aspiring ward representative in Nairobi changed his name to “Hon Chris Mtumishi”.

In the last Friday’s edition of the publication, livestock trader James Kiarie Muigai changed his name to James Kiarie Muigai Cattleman.

Politicians are keen to change their identities in order to help voters to recognize the more known names on the ballot and campaign posters. Nicknames are a common addition to names. 

Other politicians who have added nicknames to their official identities in the past include former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi “Sonko”, Kiambu Senator Kimani “Wamatangi”, former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu “Babayao”, and Murang’a Governor Mwangi “Wa Iria.”

Lawyer Thomas Mbaria Kuria says anyone can change their names as long as they can pay the legal and statutory fees for the procedure, which is in the region of Sh6,000. One is also required to explain why they want to change their identities to the Registrar-General.