Businessman Kennedy Rapudo has addressed questions about his relationship with his stepson, Gavin, clarifying why the child does not call him dad despite living in the same household.

Speaking during an interview with YouTubers on Saturday, November 8, 2025, Rapudo gave the example of his relationship with his daughter, Savoune, to explain Gavin’s choice of name for him.

He said that although Savoune lives with her mother, he remains actively involved in her life, paying her school fees and providing for her needs whenever she is under his care.

“I am not aware that people have been talking about this because I deactivated my social media, so I am not really aware of many things. But to clarify, Gavin’s dad is his present father. For example, with my daughter Savani, I am a present dad for her, I pay all her school fees and provide everything she needs, even though her mother is married. I am present, and when she finishes school, I spend time with her,” he shared.

Rapudo then said people should be aware that Gavin has a biological father who is very present in his life.

He recalled that sometimes Gavin’s father comes to pick him up to spend time together, and he emphasised that he does not want to replace that relationship.

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Rapudo explained that he respects the bond between Gavin and his father and has therefore allowed the child to choose how to refer to him.

“You see, she cannot call her mum’s husband dad and then come call me dad again. It would be confusing for a child. The same applies to Gavin. He spends time with his father, I have never met him, but sometimes he comes and picks Gavin to go out and have fun,” Rapudo said.

Rapudo said that Gavin calls him Baba Africanah and that he is completely comfortable with this.

He shared that the name does not make him any less of a father, explaining that he continues to provide care and support for Gavin as he would to any child under his guardianship.

He added that as long as Gavin is in his home, he considers him his son and ensures all his needs are met, but that the child does not need to refer to him as dad to validate their bond.

“I do not want to replace that. So whatever name he calls me, he calls me Baba Africana, and I am okay with that. He has reserved dad for his real dad, and I do not want to change that. As far as he is in my house, he is my son, but he does not have to call me dad. The fact that he calls me Baba Africana does not make me any less of a dad. I do everything I need to do for him as a father, but he knows he has his real dad,” Rapudo said.