Bristol Bisons Player Refused UK Asylum
A gay rugby player who has been fighting deportation for three years has lost his bid for asylum in the UK.
As we previously reported in November 2018, Bristol Bisons member Kenneth Macharia’s asylum claim had been denied, but he was later released on bail after being detained for two weeks. However, on the 3rd June Mr Macharia has lost his battle to stay in the country – despite claims he will be persecuted if he returns to his native Kenya.
Ken Macharia, 39, has lived in fear of being sent back to the African nation where homosexual activity is illegal and can be punished with heavy jail sentences.
After receiving news from the Home Office it had revoked his right to stay in the UK, friends and family say he may be detained imminently and sent back to Kenya.
On 3 June 2019, Ken received news from the Home Office that they were revoking his right to stay in the UK. Therefore he may be detained imminently by the Home Office, and then sent to Kenya, where he would face homophobic persecution and discrimination.
– CHANGE.ORG PETITION PAGE
Ken’s Rugby Club, The Bristol Bisons, continue to support him, and posted on Twitter to urge people to help fight the decision and support him
It is with a heavy heart that Kenneth received this letter from the home office today and has been told he will not be allowed to stay home in the UK. The fight is not over and we need your support to keep Ken home with his friends and family. pic.twitter.com/tGm8txAgaD
— Bristol Bisons RFC (@bisonsrfc) June 3, 2019
A change.org petition has been set up, which can be found at https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-deportation-of-ken-macharia
