After the Leak: When Parents Become the Talk of the Town – Expert Advice
In the quiet village of Raare, a mama mboga (vegetable vendor) has become the subject of public scrutiny after her private videos were leaked online. What began as a moment of misplaced trust quickly turned into a nightmare that has left her family grappling with shame, judgment and emotional pain. The situation escalated to the point where a mob threatened her safety, and it was only through the intervention of well-wishers that she was rescued.
The woman, a mother and grandmother, says she was tricked by someone she trusted into sharing intimate videos. That same person later began to blackmail her, threatening to expose the videos if she did not meet his demands. When the videos eventually surfaced online, she says her world crumbled.
“I’m not a bad person,” she pleaded in a tearful apology. “I was foolish, and I’m deeply sorry to my children and grandchildren. Please forgive me.”
Her story has sparked heated online debate, with some condemning her actions while others have called for compassion and understanding. Beneath the noise, however, lies a painful truth, scandals like these don’t just affect the individual; they ripple through entire families.
To understand how families can navigate such a situation, Parents Magazine spoke to family therapist Esther Muthoni, who emphasized the need for empathy and open communication when a parent becomes the center of public scandal.
“When something like this happens, the first thing families should do is pause and breathe,” Esther says. “The person involved is already battling shame, guilt, and fear. What they need most in that moment is emotional support, not condemnation.”
She adds that children, too, need a safe space to process their emotions.
“Children may face ridicule from peers or confusion about what happened. Parents or guardians should reassure them that their loved one’s mistake doesn’t define their worth as a family.”
Esther advises that if such a video surfaces, the affected person should seek both emotional and legal support.
“It’s important to report to the authorities, especially in cases of blackmail or non-consensual sharing of intimate images. Kenya’s cyber laws protect victims of digital exploitation,” she explains.
More importantly, she urges families to rebuild through honesty and therapy.
“Healing begins when the affected person takes responsibility, and the family chooses forgiveness. With counseling, time, and love, it’s possible to move forward.”
In an era where private moments can easily go public, Mama Mboga’s story is a painful reminder of how vulnerable we all are in the digital age and how vital compassion remains when judgment feels easier than understanding.
