Raila: My mother named me Onyango at birth

 ODM chief Raila Odinga shares his birthday cake with other leaders at Bomas of Kenya. [Emmanuel Wanson, Standard]

ODM leader Raila Odinga on Friday revealed that his late mother named him Onyango due to the time he was born.

Speaking at Bomas of Kenya where he marked his 77th birthday, Odinga revealed that he was named Onyango, which in Dholuo is associated with those who born mid-morning.

The former Prime Minister stated that he was born at 11:47am and it is precisely why they cut his cake at around that time.

"Today there is one person I would like to appreciate but unfortunately she is not here. That is my mother. She went through a lot of pain at such a time.

"I was born at exactly 11:47am, the time we have cut my birthday cake. That means my name is Onyango. My mother gave me that name and throughout my childhood she used to call me Onyango to signify the time I was born,” he said.

Adding: “That is why I always tell men that you must respect all women.”

 Raila addresses leaders who attended his birthday celebrations at Bomas of Kenya. [Emmanuel Wanson, Standard]

Last month Oburu Odinga brought back memories of their childhood struggles, including how they ended up without Christian names.

Oburu, who has no Christian name, said he was named after Chief Ng’ong’a Molo.

When Reverend Simon Nyende of Church Missionary Society was conducting a baptism ceremony in Maseno at the time, Jaramogi stepped into the crowded altar and announced “Ng’ong’a Molo” as his son’s baptism names.

Oburu said Rev Nyende turned his father away with his three sons and their dejected mother walked out of the church and left their father to take them back home.

Recently, the bishop of Anglican Church of Kenya Bondo Diocese Prof David Kodia said he was ready to confirm Oburu and Raila.

“I know you’ve never been confirmed but am giving you an opportunity to let me know when you are ready for the exercise,” said Kodia.