OF SEX TOYS, JOURNALISM AND A VEILED PRODUCT ENDORSEMENT

Not for the first time, the topic of sex toys has found itself in Kenya's mainstream media, with yet another apology to boot. For to openly promote the use of gonad gadgets is nothing short of using journalism to corrupt public morals, let alone the veiled product endorsement.

Serious journalism should value the need to respect obtaining common decency levels, which curiously occurred as an afterthought for the offending paper. The apology rightly pointed to a realization that as a family paper, the bold content was inappropriate.

But on the same day the apology was getting published, another newspaper was giving the sex toys article new wings to fly.

This was courtesy of a columnist, better known for her prowess and outspokenness in the morning radio shows category.

On this account, Caroline Mutoko goes flat out to advocate for the right of women to take charge of their sexual fulfillment destiny, organically, mechanically, electronically or otherwise.

While respecting every one's right to hold an opinion, I am particularly distressed by Mutoko's parochial appreciation of the kind of influence she has as a public figure and the inherent and immense capacity to shape opinion, especially on impressionable young minds that readily access her media content.

It does not matter how much of a disclaimer she gives, that she is not a journalist, in her online page.

The bottom line is that she engages the public using journalism platforms and as such, her writings and utterances should not corrode the pillars of media ethics.

Mutoko's incessant quest for a 'toe-curling experience' cannot scientifically be generalized or extrapolated to the extent of defining the obtaining sexual needs of all the females in Kenya.

And as depicted in the local social media discussions below, there does appear to be subtle indication that she could have personalized or projected her own experiences way too much into her juicy article.