For many years, Valentine’s Day has been synonymous with random acts of love among lovebirds.
However, this special day which is widely recognised in the Kenyan circles has seen a shift.
The spread of love is now going beyond lovebirds to the elderly, the homeless and recently, some companies expressing their gratitude to their customers on this auspicious day.
For Kiambu-based politician and a counselling psychologist, Gladys Chania, she decided to spend her Valentine's Day with the elderly under what she dubbed 'Valentine's with the elderly' through the #ChaniasautiMashinani - a Community based organisation in Kiambu.
They graced Bright Future Elderly Valentine's event at Ruiru in the morning where 100 elderly women were gifted blankets and foodstuff.
They later visited senior citizens in Kimende, Lari constituency where besides presenting blankets and foodstuff, the senior citizens danced and had free beauty services which included nails and head grooming.
Chania says that she chose to donate blankets to the elderly in Lari because temperatures in the area are very low.
"I chose Kimende because of its locality near the Kereita forest. It is very cold for aged people who might lack enough cover in their homes.
"Provision of blankets was, therefore, very hardy. I recall one old man saying "I can't wait to go and sleep, the nights have been very cold but today with a blanket and a packet of unga, I will sleep soundly"," she remarked.
Kiambu-based politician Gladys Chania enjoying her Valentine's Day with the elderly in Kimende. [Source/Gladys Chania]
The Kiambu politician, however, appealed to the government to streamline the cash transfer programme noting that its merger with NHIF has locked out some senior citizens from accessing health services.
Among those citizens who made the day a success include Mahiga Homes Ltd, Gichuhi Gachagwi's family, Gregory Muchiri of Ahadi Rehabilitation Centre, Hon Jona Mburu, Hon Mburugu and Ann Njogu.
Others are Hon Emily Warutere, Hon Millie of Sigona, Esau Kioni Jnr, Wambui wa Githurai, Warui wa Mwhihoko, Wildlook, KEWOCA Kiambu, KANU party -Kiambu Chapter, Djohnie hair arts, Stano-Samawati pix among others.
#hivisasaoriginal #upekuzi