UK-Based Kenyan Gay Rugby Player Ken Macharia Faces Deportation as Asylum Claim is Rejected
United Kingdom authorities have rejected Kenyan gay rugby player Kenneth Macharia's asylum bid.
In his application for asylum, the 39-year-old Bristol Bisons player cited fears of persecution if he returned to Kenya, where homosexuality is illegal.
Macharia received a letter from the UK Home Office notifying him that his application had been rejected.
"No evidence has been submitted to show that you will be singled out and persecuted by the authorities in Kenya as a result of your case being reported in the media," the Home Office noted.
It added: “Whilst same-sexual activity between men has been criminalized with a penalty of up to 21 years in prison this law is rarely applied and the objective evidence does not establish that LGBT persons are likely to be subjected to persecution or serious harm.”
The letter asked Macharia to make arrangements to leave the country without delay. He was also asked to report to Bridgwater police station on Thursday.
Speaking after receiving the letter, Macharia said: "I'm absolutely depressed. My team-mates have been extremely supportive. I'm hoping nothing will happen [on Thursday] but I'm fearful I will be detained."
Macharia, a mechanical engineer, has been living in the UK since 2009 and got employed through his work visa before joining Bristol Bisons RFC in 2015.
Last November, Macharia was released on bail from an immigration detention center after more than 100,000 people signed a petition to stop him from being deported to Kenya.
Last week, Kenya's High Court declined to repeal sections of the country's Penal Code that criminalize same-sex relations.
Comments
Kenya (especially Macharia's…
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Kenya (especially Macharia's community) is Not that a Threat to Macharia. He can even Play for the 7ns while in Kenya.
Well, it's always good to be…
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Well, it's always good to be courteous and kind and understanding. In my experience, someone who begs for protection over their lives, ought to be taken seriously regardless of how they choose to live their lives. If crazy tgings like widespread killings of transgender women can happen in an advanced Metropolis like Dallas then we cannot rule out Nairobi. They should atleast give him a chance to stay until the attention is drawn away from him before he leaves.
Masha,fear not!the only…
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Masha,fear not!the only people who will want to approach you when you're deported are either birds of the same feather (LGBT) or Christians who'll want to reason with you(not Neno christians!) Otherwise,the devil will continue tormenting you!
Idont follow ruggy much,but…
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Idont follow ruggy much,but at 39 is he still playing?Iknow you cannot always go by the looks but surely this fellow does not look like arugby.Is Bristal Bison a reputable team,or just a goup of recreational retired sportsmen?
Kenya should assure him that he wont be persecute so long as he can demonstrate that his skills are a mechanical engineer are very valuable.Gay or not such skills should be encouraged to remain in the country.
Come to think of it, how do…
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Come to think of it, how do you play this physical game if you're gay? Si you'll lose focus & in hot pursuit start chasing & holding on to opponents goodies instead of tackling!aaargh!
Aaargh!!!!😭
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In reply to Come to think of it, how do… by Andrew (not verified)
Aaargh!!!!😭
Gay and playing Rugby??? Ok…
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Gay and playing Rugby??? Ok. Anyway. ...another senseless argument there; "persecuted by the authorities"?? Authorities have no business in persecuting anyone, they are in the business of applying the law and if the gay people keep their affairs private like everyone else, nobody will care what they do in private.
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