Kenyan Man Seeks Urgent Visa to Reach Critically Ill Mzungu Wife in the US

A Kenyan man, Bernard Musyoki, has pleaded with authorities for a US visa to be with his wife, Deborah Jan Spicer, who is hospitalised in critical condition. 

Despite three previous visa rejections, Musyoki remains unable to join his wife in the United States as she battles severe health issues. Musyoki and Spicer, who first connected on Facebook in 2017, married in February 2021 after meeting in person in December 2020. Despite the geographical distance, the couple has maintained a strong relationship, often expressing affection publicly. 

Since their marriage, Musyoki has applied multiple times for a US visa but has been denied each time. His frustration has intensified as Spicer's health has worsened, including hospital stays following heart surgery in January 2025 and a recent battle with COVID-19 that has severely damaged one of her lungs.

Musyoki's public plea reflects his anguish at being unable to care for his wife during her ongoing medical crisis. He has taken to social media to express his distress, saying, "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."

Their marriage has been noteworthy not only due to the couple's age difference, Spicer is twice Musyoki’s age, but also because of their financial arrangements. Musyoki has disclosed that Spicer supports him with a monthly allowance of KSh 100,000. He also paid a symbolic dowry of KSh 100, which was presented as a church offering in memory of Spicer’s late grandparents, as agreed with her children.