Kisumu couple defends move to name baby after Trump

Baby Donald Trump Otieno plays with his nanny, Ms Martha Osino, at their home in Lolwe, Kisumu County. PHOTO | TOM OTIENO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • They said they were planning a party to celebrate the young baby Trump.
  • The third born baby Donald Trump Otieno was born on August 9.

A couple from Kisumu that named their baby after United States President-elect Donald Trump have ignored criticism, saying they chose the name because they liked the tycoon’s principles.

The choice of the name has attracted criticism on social media and from locals.

Mr Felix Otieno and Ms Lorna Akoth said they were not moved by a barrage of criticism from people who mostly supported Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the November 8 elections.

Cord leader Raila Odinga, who enjoys massive support in Nyanza, appeared to have leaned towards Mrs Clinton, hence endearing many of his supporters to her. Mr Trump’s continued criticisms of President Barack Obama, who traces his roots at Kogelo in Siaya, also did not go down well with the locals.

But in an interview with the Nation soon after Mr Trump was declared winner, Mr Otieno and Ms Akoth defended their move to name their three-month-old baby after Mr Trump, saying his principles were outstanding.

PLANNING A PARTY

They said they were planning a party to celebrate the young baby Trump.

Mr Otieno said the naming was influenced by Mr Trump’s open mind that saw him make tough statements regardless of his audience during campaigns.

The third born baby Donald Trump Otieno was born on August 9. “At the time, I was not sure whether Mr Trump would pull a surprise victory but I had the conviction the businessman had what it took to be a leader,” Mr Otieno said. 

He said he loved Mr Trump because he speaks his mind.  

“Most politicians are not sincere like him. I admired him because he is a man who says what he thinks,” he said. 

Ms Akoth said Mr Trump stood his ground on controversial policies despite criticisms. “He was frank and firm. At least he spoke the truth without using propaganda or lies to win votes. We loved him and had to name our son after him,” she said.