A man from Kapsabey, Nandi County, has opened up about how his marriage left him both emotionally and financially drained. Naphtali Ole Tipia, a former security guard in Qatar, tearfully shared his story of sacrifice and loss, recounting how caring for his wife, Waryoba Amos Jackson, during her illness ultimately left him penniless and jobless.
A Love That Crossed Borders
Naphtali’s story began in 2015 when he moved to Qatar in search of better opportunities. After saving enough money, he returned to Kenya to marry Waryoba, a Tanzanian woman. Following their wedding, Naphtali went back to Qatar to continue working, leaving Waryoba under the care of his sister, who works at Moi University. Waryoba’s family had returned to Tanzania, so Naphtali ensured she was in good hands.
Initially, life seemed normal. In 2019, however, Waryoba started experiencing health issues while working in Dar es Salaam. Naphtali thought the weight loss she experienced was due to work stress. She later moved to stay with her mother in Tanzania, where her health appeared to improve, giving the couple hope.
A Turn for the Worse
In January 2023, Naphtali returned to Qatar, unaware of the challenging road ahead. Not long after, Waryoba fell ill, complaining of constant chills. A hospital visit revealed she had pneumonia. Although she recovered after receiving treatment, her health soon deteriorated again.
This time, her condition was more complicated. She was diagnosed with a gland in her stomach that was producing excess fluid, requiring prolonged hospitalization. Naphtali poured all his earnings into her treatment, hoping she would recover. Thankfully, her health improved, and surgery was avoided. She returned to Tanzania with her mother and resumed her normal life, even attending church regularly.
Tragic Loss
In April 2023, tragedy struck again when Waryoba’s illness resurfaced. Despite Naphtali’s relentless efforts and financial sacrifices to secure her treatment, her condition worsened. In 2024, Waryoba tragically passed away, leaving Naphtali devastated.
After her passing, Naphtali resigned from his job in Qatar, receiving a severance package of KSh 250,000. However, his financial woes worsened when a friend he had lent money to deducted KSh 90,000 from the amount. This left Naphtali with insufficient funds to cover his wife’s medical bills or a funeral in Kenya.
A Peaceful Goodbye
With no other options, Naphtali agreed to have his wife’s burial in Tanzania, as requested by her family. The church in Morogoro stepped in to assist by providing a casket, while her family covered the remaining costs. The ceremony was conducted peacefully, giving Waryoba a dignified send-off.
Naphtali used the last of his savings to cement her grave, ensuring it was well cared for. However, this act of love left him financially crippled, unemployed, and with no clear way forward.
A Story of Sacrifice
Naphtali’s story is one of deep sacrifice, love, and heartbreak. He gave everything he had for his wife, even when it meant draining his savings and leaving himself with nothing. While he mourns his loss and contemplates his next steps, his journey serves as a reminder of the lengths to which love and commitment can drive a person.
Now left to rebuild his life from scratch, Naphtali’s resilience will undoubtedly be tested. His story continues to resonate with those who understand the sacrifices that come with love and the challenges of coping with loss.
