Gay Rugby Player Released from Detention – Could Still Be Deported to Kenya

Ken Macharia, the gay rugby player in Bristol, has been released from detention but could still face deportation back to Kenya, reports Bristol Live.

Macharia’s teammates have been fighting to keep him in the UK, creating a Change.org petition asking the UK Home Office to reopen Ken Macharia’s rejected asylum request, it now has over 65,000 signatures.

“Deporting a good, hard-working, gay man to a country where homophobic violence and imprisonment is rife is immoral and unjust, and should be stopped,” the petition reads.

“Ken is deeply concerned about being deported to Kenya, where he would face persecution, and he wishes to stay in the UK to contribute to society.”

Homosexuality is punishable in Kenya with up to 14 years in prison.

Read more about the silent LGBT+ refugee crisis here.

Macharia was released from Harmondsworth Immigration Removal Centre on Wednesday night (November 28)but was told by the judge: “The fact I have released you on bail is not an indication that you will forevermore be allowed to stay in the United Kingdom.”

Macharia was supported by his teammates during the hearing, even wearing his team’s colours.

His team are celebrating the release but are continuing to fight to keep him in the country.

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