Man Petitions Kenya's Parliament to Stop Using the Term 'Wanjiku'

A Mombasa resident has petitioned Parliament to cease using the term ‘Wanjiku’ to refer to Kenyans.

Bryan Omondi wants the August House to instead consider using the terms ‘Wakenya’ or ‘Kenyans’, arguing that the use of the word ‘Wanjiku’ to refer to ordinary citizens is unconstitutional. 

He notes that it is inappropriate to use the phrase Wanjiku, a Kikuyu word while referring to Kenyans yet the country has over 43 tribes.

“Calling of Kenyans ‘Wanjiku’ in matters of national concern is biased, discriminatory, in bad faith, in bad taste and contravenes Chapter Four of the Bill of Rights on equality as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya, which you all swore to uphold, respect and protect,” Omondi says in his petition.

He adds: “I confirm that efforts have been made to have the matter addressed by relevant bodies, but they have failed to give a satisfactory response. I have approached activist Mutemi wa Kiama, and even some advocates from Kituo cha Sheria and all failed to give me a satisfactory response.”

He wants Parliament to look into his concern and consider adopting his recommendations.

The phrase ‘Wanjiku’ was coined by the later former President Daniel Arap Moi and is often used by politicians and lawyers to refer to Kenyans.