A Filipino woman working in Qatar has shared her painful story after her Kenyan boyfriend allegedly disappeared when he learned she was pregnant.
The situation has caused strong reactions online, with many people debating the risks and responsibilities that come with long distance relationships in the Gulf.
Joan said she met Martin Kiptoo, a Kenyan security guard, through a mutual friend while living and working in Qatar. According to her, their relationship grew quickly.
They spent time together, talked about their future, and he even introduced her to his family through video calls. She said he showed her photos of his mother and siblings but never spoke about his father. At the time, she did not see this as a warning sign.
After dating for six months, Joan discovered she was pregnant. She said she expected Kiptoo to stand by her and support her during the pregnancy.
Instead, she claims his behavior changed. He reportedly cut short his stay in Qatar and traveled back to Kenya. Soon after, she says he blocked her on WhatsApp and on all social media platforms.
Joan described the experience as deeply painful. She said she felt abandoned and stressed, especially because she was alone in a foreign country without close family support.
She added that he has not contacted her since she told him about the pregnancy. Despite the emotional struggle, she carried the pregnancy to term and gave birth.
She chose to give her child a Kenyan name as a sign of respect for the father’s background.
In recent months, Joan has opened a TikTok account where she shares her life as a single mother in Qatar. Her videos, which show her daily routine and her baby’s milestones, have attracted attention from many Kenyans online.
Some have expressed sympathy and offered to help her trace the child’s father. Others have used the story to call for more responsibility in relationships, especially among migrant workers.
Experts say such cases highlight the challenges faced by foreign workers in the Gulf. Women in unprotected relationships may find themselves vulnerable if partners withdraw support.
Similar stories have been reported before, pointing to the emotional and social risks that can come with relationships formed far from home.
