A Kikuyu single mother has responded to criticism after a video showing her hugging and kissing her teenage son sparked a debate online about parenting and boundaries.
The video, which has been circulating widely on social media, shows the mother sharing an affectionate moment with her son while they interact on camera. The display of affection quickly drew mixed reactions from viewers, with some questioning whether such physical closeness was appropriate as the boy enters his teenage years.
Others came to the woman’s defence, arguing that parents should be free to express love and affection towards their children without being subjected to harsh judgment from strangers on social media.
Addressing her critics, the woman appeared unfazed by the backlash and told them in Kikuyu, “Mtoto ni wangu, fanyeni vile mnataka,” which loosely translates to, “The child is mine, do whatever you want.”
Her response appeared to underline her determination to make her own parenting choices and maintain a close bond with her son despite the criticism.
The video has since sparked a broader conversation among Kenyans about how parents should show affection to their children as they grow older. While some believe physical displays of affection should become more restrained during adolescence, others maintain that teenagers still need love, reassurance and emotional support from their parents.
Some supporters also pointed out that a hug or kiss between a parent and child is not, by itself, inappropriate, stressing that the important issue is maintaining healthy and age-appropriate boundaries.
The incident has also raised questions about the level of scrutiny parents face when they share aspects of their family lives online. An ordinary family interaction can quickly become a subject of public debate once it is posted on social media.
The identities of the mother and her son have not been independently verified.