Gay Bristol Bisons Star Wins Asylum Appeal
July 22, 2021Bristol Bisons player Ken Macharia has won his battle for refugee status. Mr Macharia, 41, moved to the UK a decade ago from Kenya, fleeing homophobic persecution.
Mr Macharia feared that without refugee status, he would be deported back to Kenya, where homosexuality is illegal and social stigma - including retribution and attacks - are rife for the community.
A viral campaign was started by his football club, Bristol Bisons, to get the UK government to give him the status after he was threatened with deportation in 2016. In 2019, Mr Macharia was threatened with immediate removal, and the fight to allow him to stay intensified.
At a tribunal hearing on the deportation, a Judge found that ken Macharia would be at "real risk of serious harm as a gay man" and that his "human rights would be breached" were he to be removed from the UK. His appeal was upheld, and refugee status was granted.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Macharia said: "When I tell people close to me the news, they are jumping with joy and excitement, I put on a smile and pretend to share the same level of enthusiasm.
"It's been a very long struggle, since 2016.
"I have had my hopes crushed too many times. I can't help wondering what will go wrong.
"The sadness has not gone away. I used to be optimistic. It will be a while before I am again.
"I am very grateful for all the support I have received. Very many people came to my aid at my time of need.
"The list is very long, some I know, some I don't. Thanks to each and everyone of you.
"It will take me a bit of time to truly believe this nightmare is over and be at the same level of enthusiasm as you."
His club also gave a statement: "We are delighted to announce that, after five years of battling with the UK Home Office - a fight which was increased in intensity in 2019 when Ken was threatened with immediate removal from the country - our very own Ken has won his asylum appeal and been granted refugee status.
"We'd like to thank everyone for their continued support throughout the past couple of years."
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