Nyamira residents celebrated Valentine’s Day in a fascinating new style this year. Unlike previous years, when the event was passively celebrated by the youth in bars and restaurants, with many dressed in red, the 2025 celebration took place at Uhuru Gardens in Nyamira.
A group from the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Nyamira Campus marched into the gardens in a single file, carrying flowers. They were soon joined by curious members of the public, who admired the beautiful flower presentation. Within a short time, the field was filled with people, with the area glowing red from both natural flowers and artificial ones made from discarded plastics and paper.
People sat and ate in groups, while shopkeepers took the opportunity to erect makeshift booths to sell flowers, soft drinks, and bread. The usual price of a soda shot up from 50 shillings to 100 shillings, and a loaf of bread rose from 60 shillings to 80 shillings. The smallest flowers for the Valentine celebration were sold for 70 shillings, while the largest sold for 360 shillings.
Joyce Nyang’ate, a kiosk owner in Nyamira town, said she sold her sweets, balloons, and carrier bags quickly to the happy crowd, making a profit of 700 shillings, up from her usual daily profit of 200 shillings. “The day fattened my business, and I wish it would come twice a year, or even once a month, to boost my business,” she said.
Peter Muthokaa, a student at Nyamira MTC, took the opportunity to sell paper flowers made from recycled carrier bags. “I contacted a friend who is a teacher at the local primary school, who bought into the idea. We used his newly acquired Competency-Based Curriculum skills to make these beautiful flowers,” he explained. Muthokaa said the duo collected 5,000 shillings from the sale of flowers.
John Nyandika, a member of the Abagusii Cultural and Development Council, highlighted the correlation between modern Valentine celebrations and acts of selfless courage, sacrifice, and love. “In our African setting, people who demonstrated courage and sacrifice for the good of others—especially women, who are regarded as the custodians of homestead property—were honored and cherished,” he said.
He regretted that Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide by many people who do not know its origin or significance.
What is the origin and significance of this widely celebrated day?
According to mythology, there was an emperor in Rome called Claudius II, who hated the idea of soldiers marrying because he believed it weakened them. He banned marriage for soldiers. However, a Christian priest named Valentine, who was within the empire, defied the emperor’s order and continued to conduct weddings for military couples and the public.
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Valentine worshiped and believed in Lupercalia, the god of love and fertility. In addition to his acts of bravery, Valentine also provided shelter to Christians who were being persecuted by Roman authorities. One time, Valentine even tried to convert Emperor Claudius II to Christianity, but when he failed, he was arrested, tortured, and ultimately killed.
When Pope Gelasius I rose to the Roman throne in the 5th century, he banned the worship of Lupercalia but declared February 14 as St. Valentine’s Day to commemorate the unique acts of love, courage, and commitment in family bonds and relationships.
Valentine’s Day, like any other holiday, needs to be given its proper definition and origin to avoid any further distortions.
By Enock Okong’o.
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