DIGs Eliud Lagat and Gilbert Masengeli gift flowers to Nairobi residents in Valentine’s Day celebration
Nairobi residents were in for a heartwarming surprise on Friday, February 14, 2024, as Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs) Eliud Lagat (Kenya Police Service) and Gilbert Masengeli (Administration Police Service) marked Valentine’s Day by handing out flowers to passersby in the Central Business District (CBD).
The two senior police officers were spotted walking along Harambee Avenue carrying boxes full of red roses, embracing the spirit of love and appreciation on a special day.
DIG Masengeli took a more formal approach, warmly greeting residents and handing them flowers with a smile.
Men and women alike received roses, making the moment an inclusive celebration.
Lagat, on the other hand, engaged more enthusiastically with female residents, sharing hugs, and laughter, and even posing for quick photo sessions as he handed out roses one by one.
As Nairobians went about their day, the surprise floral giveaway left many with smiles with many pausing their daily routines to receive the unexpected gifts.
The officers’ friendly gestures stood in contrast to the usual perception of law enforcement, portraying them in a more approachable and community-centred light.
Their unique engagement added an extra touch of joy, showing a softer, more relatable side of the National Police Service.
Valentine’s Day celebrations across the city were in full swing, with businesses, streets, and restaurants decorated in red and white to mark the occasion.
Significance of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day, celebrated annually on February 14, is a global occasion dedicated to expressing love, affection, and appreciation among partners, friends, and family members.
The origins of the holiday trace back to ancient Rome, where it is believed to have been inspired by the legend of St. Valentine, a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriages for young soldiers by secretly officiating weddings.
Over time, Valentine’s Day evolved into a widespread tradition of love and devotion, marked by the exchange of gifts, flowers, and heartfelt messages.
Today, Valentine’s Day is observed in many countries, with people celebrating in diverse ways.
In Western cultures, couples exchange romantic gifts, while in other regions, the day is also seen as an opportunity to appreciate friends, family members, and even colleagues.
Businesses, particularly florists, restaurants, and confectionery shops, see a spike in sales as people indulge in special treats for their loved ones.
Additionally, the day is embraced for charitable acts, with organizations and individuals using it as an opportunity to spread kindness and support to the less fortunate.
