Love Overstay: Sierra Leone Woman Laughs Off Visa Violation After Falling for Keiyo Man

A lighthearted moment unfolded at an Eldoret court when a Sierra Leone national, Hawa Sam, burst into laughter while admitting she had overstayed her tourist visa—blaming it all on love.

Hawa told the court she had traveled to Kenya for what was meant to be a short holiday. However, her plans took an unexpected turn after she met and fell in love with a man from Keiyo, a connection she said made her lose track of time—and her visa status.

“I came for a visit, but I found love and forgot everything else,” she reportedly told the magistrate, prompting amusement in the courtroom.

Her stay in the country eventually caught up with her after she was arrested in Uasin Gishu County for being in Kenya unlawfully. Despite the unusual explanation, the court proceeded with the case and found her guilty of overstaying her visa.

She was fined Ksh 50,000 or, in default, will serve a one-month jail term. Upon completing the sentence or paying the fine, Hawa is set to be repatriated back to Sierra Leone.

The case has sparked mixed reactions, with some Kenyans finding humor in her candid confession, while others emphasized the importance of adhering to immigration laws—no matter the circumstances.

Even so, Hawa’s story stands out as a reminder that sometimes, matters of the heart can lead to unexpected legal trouble.