Kenyan LGBTQ Activist Makena Njeri Changes Her Name to Chris Muriithi

Kenyan journalist Makena Njeri has caused a stir on social media after changing her name to Chris Muriithi.

Njeri, an LQBTQ+ activist, included her new name on both her Instagram and Twitter handles alongside the pronouns they and them. 

The former BBC journalist came out as gay last year, saying she fell into depression after family and friends who knew about her sexual orientation deserted her for fear of being judged for associating themselves with her.

“I remember for the first time in my life after very many years, I looked at the mirror and said to myself 'I am gay, I am unique and this is my truth',” she said.

Njeri, who is also an actor, further said that she always wanted to take up roles reserved for men but often faced criticism.

“I believe that gender identity is one’s personal experience and perception of self,” she explained.

The 30-year-old quit her job at BBC early last to focus on building her organization Bold Network Africa, which seeks to educate the society in Africa about the LGBTQ community through films, documentaries, and training.