Kenyan comedian and content creator Terence Creative has publicly stated that he will never conduct a DNA paternity test on his children. His comments come amid heightened public debate surrounding paternity testing and family relationships across Kenya.
The national discussion gained momentum after club host Ciggie Johnson revealed a negative paternity test for the 12-year-old daughter he raised from birth. Johnson had provided 12 years of full financial and parental care.
Following Johnson’s announcement, Terence posted a video advising him to remain a father figure to the child. That recommendation drew noticeable pushback from a section of Kenyans online who disagreed with his stance.
Upbringing in Foster Care
Addressing the ongoing debate, Terence shared details about his early childhood and upbringing. He explained that his personal values stem from his experience being raised outside a traditional biological family setting.
“I grew up in a children’s home and was raised by foster parents who gave me shelter, love, and care. They didn’t need us to share blood to treat me as their own, and because of them, I believe it is my duty to pay forward the kindness I was shown,” Terence Creative said.
Unwillingness to Conduct Paternity Tests
Reflecting on his role as a parent, Terence maintained a firm stance against testing his own children. He emphasized that emotional connections built over time outweigh scientific verification.
“Personally, I would never take a DNA test on my children.“
He noted that biological confirmation holds less value to him than the years spent nurturing his children. He warned that negative paternity results carry severe emotional consequences for fathers.
Redefining Fatherhood and Family Bonds
Terence argued that parental affection should not be restricted strictly to biological descendants. He drew a comparison between helping non-relatives and raising children within a household.
“We help strangers and love people we share no blood with; for me, that same love extends to the children I have raised and held close through the years.I’ve seen how deeply those results can break men.“
He further outlined his definition of parental duty, attributing his understanding of fatherhood directly to lessons learned during his upbringing.
“Fatherhood lives in the moments: showing up, providing, protecting, listening, caring, and loving; that’s what my foster parents taught me, and that is what I choose to carry forward,” Terence explained.
Concluding his message, Terence summarized his core outlook on family identity.
“Blood may connect us, but the bond is what makes us family.“
