Exercise caution during Valentine’s outing, warns DCI

avdeltanews(at)gmail.com

As Valentine’s Day evening approaches, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is urging Kenyans to exercise extreme caution when meeting strangers, especially those arranged online.

Dates with people known only through social media can carry serious risks if safety precautions are ignored.

“Exercise utmost caution when meeting someone from dating apps or social platforms for the first time,” the DCI posted online.

“Always meet in well-lit public places, share your plans with a trusted friend, and trust your instincts. If anything feels off, leave immediately.”

The advisory comes against a backdrop of tragic incidents in Kenya. In Ngong Forest in 2017, a woman who had travelled to Nairobi for a first Facebook date was found strangled to death.

Another young woman from Nairobi who journeyed to Mombasa to meet a man she had been chatting with online was abandoned and left stranded, highlighting the dangers of trusting strangers.

In Meru, a woman who travelled to Maua to meet a man she had been talking to on Facebook was attacked but survived, showing how quickly a seemingly innocent meeting can turn threatening.

Valentine’s mood wss in the air in major cities as couples are sharing photos of flowers, chocolates, and outings to urban parks.

In Mombasa, beachside cafes have arranged tables in anticipation of the big day.

Meanwhile, in Kisumu, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) asked couples to visits Kisumu Impala Sanctuary.

“Roses are cute, chocolates are fine, but have you ever taken your crush on a wild adventure? Bring your favourite person and enjoy a peaceful lakeside escape, surrounded by wildlife. Love boldly. Explore freely.” — KWS posted.