Pastor Dorcas Rigathi has advised Kenyans to express love to the vulnerable in society as the world marked Valentine's Day.
She said during this celebration, Kenyans should extend compassion and kindness for all individuals to feel loved.
“As we bask in the glow of Valentine’s Day, let’s open our hearts to spread love to all Kenyans, especially the vulnerable populations. Let’s extend compassion and kindness to ensure that every individual feels valued and included,” she said on her X official account.
To mark Valentine’s Day, the atmosphere at the City Market became more festive and romantic.
Flower bouquets, arrangements, and gift packages were prominently featured, enticing shoppers with the allure of thoughtful and romantic options.
Meat and food were sold alongside flowers and gifts to encourage customers to explore and purchase Valentine's Day-themed products.
Valentine's Day is also called Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine.
It is named after the martyred Christian saint named Valentine.
He was a bishop who performed marriages between forbidden couples.
There are however several martyrdom stories associated with various Saint Valentines connected to February 14.
Some of the stories also include an account of the imprisonment of Saint Valentine of Rome for ministering to Christians persecuted under the Roman Empire in the third century.
According to History Classics, other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured.
"According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl possibly his jailor’s daughter who visited him during his confinement," they reported.
Happy Valentines. As you celebrate your love with your loved ones, let's extend that love to the vulnerable populations around us.#ADignifiedFuture #Valentines pic.twitter.com/QxuFO5CmOQ
— Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, EGH (@Pastor_Dorcas) February 14, 2024