Monday, August 25, 2025 – Kenyan social media is ablaze after a controversial video of a young massage therapist passionately attending to an older woman – popularly known in street slang as a mumama – went viral, sparking heated conversations about morality, money, and modern-day hustling.
The trending clip, which first surfaced on TikTok before spreading to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, shows the youthful massage guy pampering the woman in a highly intimate and sensual manner. The recording has left netizens divided, with some impressed by his dedication to “customer satisfaction” while others questioned the blurred line between professional therapy and pleasure.
Netizens React to the Viral Mumama Video
Immediately after the video started circulating, Kenyans online flooded the comment sections with mixed reactions:
- Some praised the young man for “securing the bag”, applauding his ability to tap into the ever-growing mumama economy, where older women openly spend on younger partners.
- Others criticized the act, claiming that the therapist had abandoned morals and professionalism in pursuit of quick money.
- A large section, however, took it as comic relief, joking that Nairobi’s youth are “creative hustlers” who will do anything to survive in the tough economic climate.
One popular comment read: “Wacheni vijana wanajitume, economy si mchezo” – loosely translated as “Let young men hustle, the economy is no joke.”
The Rise of the Mumama Economy in Kenya
The viral moment has once again thrown the spotlight on the mumama phenomenon – wealthy or financially stable older women who lavish younger men with gifts, money, and opportunities in exchange for companionship.
In recent years, this trend has gained visibility on social media platforms, with young men openly flaunting their “mumama-funded” lifestyles. From exotic vacations, high-end fashion, to expensive gadgets, the mumama economy has become an open secret in Kenya’s urban culture.
Experts argue that the trend is a reflection of economic survival tactics among jobless or underpaid youth, while others view it as a breakdown of traditional moral values.
A Hot Debate on Hustling vs. Morality
This viral incident has once again ignited an age-old debate: Is hustling at all costs justified, or should morality and dignity come first?
For some, the young massage guy is simply offering a service that his client is willing to pay for, and in the process, he is creating employment for himself. For others, however, the video highlights the growing normalization of transactional relationships that blur ethical boundaries.
Regardless of perspective, one fact remains undeniable – Kenyan youth are redefining hustling in bold and unconventional ways. As one netizen aptly put it: “Vijana wanajituma hii town!”
