British Woman Reflects on Leaving Family for Masai Warrior Romance
Cheryl Thomasgood, a British woman who left her husband and three children in 1995 to pursue a romance with a Masai warrior in Kenya, is now opening up about the regrets and emotional toll of her life-changing decision.
Feeling stuck in her marriage and career, Cheryl traveled to Kenya for a break — and unexpectedly fell for Daniel Lekimencho, a Masai warrior and dancer ten years her junior. The connection was instant, and soon after returning to the UK, Cheryl left her husband Mike Mason and their kids to live with Daniel in his rural village.
Though Mike took the news calmly and even helped fund her return trip, Cheryl quickly found the harsh living conditions difficult. After falling ill, she returned to the UK and sold her story to the media, using the funds to bring Daniel over. The couple married on Valentine’s Day 1995, but suspicions over the marriage led to Daniel’s deportation.
They later reunited and had a daughter, Mitsi, but cultural clashes and Daniel’s growing materialism strained the relationship. Cheryl says he changed drastically, becoming obsessed with money and status.
They divorced in 1999. Cheryl, now 65 and living quietly in Somerset, calls the experience a mistake, especially for the pain it caused her children. Despite everything, she maintains strong ties with them. Daniel still lives on the Isle of Wight, working in a supermarket.