Club backs teammate’s fight against deportation
AWEST rugby player whose claim for asylum was rejected fears for his life if he returns to Kenya – because of his sexuality.
Kenneth Macharia, who plays for the Bristol Bisons, is being held at a detention centre by the Home Office pending deportation.
The inclusive, gay-friendly rugby team said Mr Macharia was fearful of “persecution and violence in Kenya because he is gay”.
In Kenya, homosexuality can result in a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
Kenneth has been living in the UK since 2009 when he arrived as a student. He has family in the city, including his mother who lives in Bedminster.
“Ken is an integral part of our rugby family. His commitment to the ethos of rugby and inclusive gay rugby is second to none,” the team said in a statement.
Mr Macharia was detained at Colnbrook immigration centre, near Heathrow Airport.
The Bisons rugby team said they are providing support for him at this difficult time and have set up a petition after Ken texted them on Friday asking for help.
“Unfortunately, Ken’s story is yet another example of the Home Office ignoring the risks that LGBT people face in multiple countries around the world,” the team said in a statement.
Chairman Philip Rogerson said: “We believe his (Ken’s) safety and well-being is at grave risk if his deportation was to go ahead. We stand by him and support him in his desire to make a life for himself alongside his friends and teammates here in the United Kingdom.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “This Government has a proud record of providing protection for asylum seekers fleeing persecution because of their sexual orientation or gender
Ken’s story is yet another
example of the Home Office ignoring the risks that LGBT people face
BRISTOL BISONS
identity and the UK remains a world leader in its approach to handling this type of asylum claim.
“We are committed to delivering an asylum process that is sensitive to all forms of persecution including those based on sexual identity or orientation. We have a robust assurance mechanism which involves considering all available evidence in light of published country-specific information.”
A petition set up to call on the Home Office to let Kenneth stay has gained more than 4,000 signatures.