Rugby player threatened with deportation wins five-year battle against Home Office

A man who has endured a five-year battle to remain in Britain says it will take time for him to truly believe his nightmare ordeal is over.

More than 180,000 people signed a petition against threats to deport Ken Macharia, to Kenya, where he feared persecution because he is gay.

The Bristol Bisons RFC rugby player, who has lived in the UK since 2009, has finally received confirmation that the Home office will not appeal against a decision to allow him to stay in the country with refugee status, bringing his five-year battle to an end.

After hearing the news on Friday, Ken thanked the many thousands who supported him through the struggle that started in 2016 and saw him threatened with immediate removal from Britain in 2019.

“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,” said the Glastonbury-based 41-year-old in a statement.

“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.”

Bristol Bisons RFC players have campaigned against the Home Office’s deportation threats  – photo by Keir Gravil

Dr Chelvan, of 33 Bedford Row chambers, acted on behalf of Ken for the 2021 tribunal proceedings. Chelvan said his story highlights the urgent need for the home secretary to review and apply structural reform to improve Home Office decision-making currently affecting the lives of those unlawfully refused asylum in the UK.

Ken’s Bristol Bisons teammates have rallied behind him throughout the ordeal and campaigned for the Home Office to grant the player refugee status.

The team said in 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.

“Firstly, we’d like to thank everyone for their continued support throughout the past couple of years. We still regularly receive messages asking as to the proceedings, anything that can be done, and Ken’s general well-being.

“Unfortunately, due to advice on the legal proceedings, we have been unable to comment or raise discussion on the case, so that the experts could do their job.

“This latest ruling, and confirmation that the Home Office will not appeal the decision, means that Ken has the right to live – and work – in the UK for the foreseeable future.

“So once again, thank you to everyone who has offered their time, money and support throughout the fight.”

Main photo courtesy of Bristol Bisons RFC’s Facebook page

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