Bernard Musyoki Musungu Kakuawee, then in Kenya, connected with Deborah Jan Spicer from the US on Facebook and despite the 35-year age gap and skepticism from some relatives, their bond deepened.
Musyoki applied for a US visa in 2018 and early 2020 but both applications were denied.
Undeterred, Deborah traveled to Nairobi, where they met in person on December 20, 2020, and married February 2, 2021.
For over five years, they've sustained a long-distance marriage fueled by daily calls, her monthly KSh 100,000 support, and his symbolic KSh 100 dowry negotiated with her grown children, who directed it as a church offering after her parents' passing.
Recent health crises have tested their devotion.
In January 2025, Deborah underwent heart surgery and hospitalization, leaving Bernard unable to join her due to visa barriers.
Now, as reported by TUKO.co.ke on Thursday, February 19, 2026, she's back in critical care after testing positive for COVID-19 again.
"She tested positive for COVID-19 again and one of her lungs is really damaged after fighting pneumonia for a long time," Musyoki told TUKO.co.ke.
He applied for a third visa recently and denied once more.
The worried husband, who ran for office recently, now appeals directly to the Kenyan government for intervention.
On Facebook, Bernard shared poignant photos of Deborah on her hospital bed, captioning.
'My mwende is in critical care in hospital, but I can't be with her. This is even after being legally married for over five years...so sad that she can't even travel...what a world.'
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