Activist Hanifa has fiercely criticized a Valentine’s Day gesture by two senior police officers, Deputy Inspector Generals Eliud Lagat (KPS) and Gilbert Masengeli (APS), who were filmed distributing flowers to Kenyans in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD). The officers’ public act of kindness, aimed at celebrating the holiday of love, was met with harsh condemnation from Hanifa, who expressed her deep dissatisfaction on social media.
In her post, Hanifa did not mince words, stating, “I cannot, for the life in me, stand these people. Finish with this PR and go back to abducting and killing us Gen Zs & youths.” Her fiery words targeted the officers’ public relations stunt, highlighting the broader concerns about police brutality, human rights violations, and the treatment of young people in Kenya.
The viral video showing the officers handing out flowers in the CBD was meant to be a display of goodwill, but to many, including Hanifa, it felt like an empty gesture amid the harsh realities facing the youth. The activist accused the police of using PR campaigns to mask deeper issues, particularly the systemic violence and suppression faced by young people in Kenya.
For Hanifa and many others, the incident served as a reminder of the stark contrast between public displays of affection and the very real struggles facing vulnerable populations. The police force, often involved in controversial actions against young people during protests and other public unrest, has long been criticized for its handling of youth matters, especially Gen Zs. Hanifa’s words reflect the frustration and anger many feel about the seeming disconnect between police actions and the pressing issues that continue to plague the youth in Kenya.
As the viral video continues to spark debate, Hanifa’s call for accountability and a genuine effort to address the concerns of young Kenyans remains a poignant reminder of the need for meaningful reform.
By Kenyans