Police officers share their affection with the public by handing out flowers in Kisumu's streets on February 14, 2025.
Police officers across the country took a break from law enforcement on Valentine’s Day to hand out flowers to ordinary Kenyans yesterday.
The initiative is aimed at fostering good relations between law enforcement and the public.
Deputy Inspectors-General of Police Eliud Lagat and Gilbert Masengeli led the handing out of roses, making random stops across the capital.
The officers sought to demonstrate their care for the well-being of Kenyans while also reinforcing the dedication of the service to maintaining public safety.
In recent months, Kenyans have been vocal in criticising law enforcement, accusing them of abductions, enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings.
Members of civil society organisations, and human rights groups share their affection with the Police by giving them flowers at the Kisumu Central Police Station on February 14, 2025, to mark Valentine's Day.
Rights organisations and victims’ families have raised concerns over the rising number of missing persons and cases of police brutality, calling for accountability and justice.
“We join Kenyans in celebrating this special day by sharing flowers as a gesture of love and care from the National Police Service (NPS),” Mr Lagat said.
“We had the opportunity to interact with the public, allowing them to see a different side of us – one that shows we also have feelings and genuinely care for their well-being.”
Mr Masengeli said the service is happy to share love.
“Whenever Kenyans saw police officers in the past, they would start running out of fear. That was a clear sign of police brutality,” he said.
“Police officers are our brothers, sisters, friends and family. We ask the public to extend kindness and prayers to them. Always remember to care for your neighbour as you care for yourself.”
The spirit of love and appreciation extended to Kisumu, where 61-year-old Jane Atieno experienced a Valentine’s Day she said she would never forget.
Members of civil society organisations, and human rights groups share their affection with the Police by giving them flowers at the Kisumu Central Police Station on February 14, 2025, to mark Valentine's Day.
For the first time in her life, she received a Valentine’s gift – a fresh, red flower from an officer at Central police station.
“I have never celebrated my birthday before, and this is a coincidence. To receive a flower on this special day, and from a police officer, makes it remarkable,” the sexagenarian said.
The moment was part of a special Valentine’s Day event aimed at strengthening community-police relations.
It brought together police officers, the civil society, rights groups, religious leaders and ordinary Kenyans.
According to Mr James Omwa, the Civilian Secretary of the Community Policing Committee in Kisumu Central, the event demonstrated the growing bond between law enforcement and locals.
“It shows our hard work is paying off. Kisumu residents have embraced community policing and I believe this will encourage respect and appreciation for our officers. Together, we can build a peaceful and secure environment,” he said.
Police officers share their affection with the public by handing out flowers in Kisumu's streets on February 14, 2025.
Ms Rehema Rahim, an entrepreneur who frequently interacts with police officers in her hospitality business, gave her experiences.
“Police officers are good people. We serve them meals, and they pay on time. We’ve built a strong working relationship. This interaction has fostered respect,” she said.
Kisumu Central Police Commander, Peter Mulai, expressed gratitude for the love shown by the community.
“We appreciate the gifts and recognition. It’s heart-warming to see that our efforts being valued. We will continue nurturing this relationship,” he said.
This Valentine’s Day in Nairobi stood in contrast to what happened in the past.
In 2024, the city witnessed a demonstration as hundreds of women, dressed in black, held a vigil in memory of femicide victims.
