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Dozens of LGBT campaigners turned out in support of a gay Somerset rugby player today (Thursday, June 6) who fears he will be deported to Kenya - a country in which his sexual orientation is outlawed.

Ken Macharia, who plays for Bristol Bisons, who also turned out to support him, could be prosecuted on his return to his native country because of his sexuality.

The 39-year-old, a Kenyan national who lives in Glastonbury, first claimed asylum in May 2016, arrived in the UK on a student visa in 2009.

The mechanical design engineer has twice been granted extensions to this visa - as a student and then as a highly skilled migrant.

He is on bail from an immigration removal centre and has been barred from working for almost a year.

A petition, entitled 'Stop the deportation of Ken Macharia', has garnered more than 100,000 signatures and attracted the support of Stephen Fry.

The Home Office has rejected his latest asylum application and he was ordered to report to Bridgwater Police Station at 11am today.

Ken Macharia arrived at Bridgwater Police Station at approximately 9.30am and was welcomed by his Bison team mates, charities and LGBT and refugee campaigners.

(Image: Michael Taylor)

Two police officers stood outside the station to ensure the group remained peaceful and did not disrupt traffic.

Backed by dozens of people, Ken walked into Bridgwater Police Station at 10.58am to report himself to the authorites.

He walked out a few minutes later to applause and loud music as he thanked everyone for their support.

Speaking to Somerset Live shortly after he walked out of Bridgwater Police Station, Ken said he was "relieved" as he feared he was going to be detained by police officers.

"I am relieved to be free. I was worried I would get detained so I'm really happy to have my freedom", he commented.

Ken was moved by the support of his friends and teammates who arrived to support him and entered the police station with him in solidarity.

He said: "They are the ones who give me hope. On Monday, when I received the letter, I was feeling depressed and felt my life was over.

"I was feeling hopeless and it was only the encouragement from initially my team mates and my mum, and now from the wider community that gives me hope everything will be alright."

A determined Ken now continues to hope he will stay in the country.

"I am hoping I am given full permission to stay in the UK and I can return to work and give back to society", he said.

Ken left Bridgwater Police Station some time after 11.30am. He is now anxiously waiting for a call from his lawyer as he continues to appeal the decision to deport him.

Bisons coach, Ben Pickett, described Ken as a "warm" and "loving person" who contributed his spare time helping people in the LGBT and migrant communities in Bristol.

"We are hopeful something will happen", he said.

"This is immoral and it is not right to remove a man who has worked and contributed for nine years in this country.

"His family and friends live in this country.

"If you ask someone the definition of a British citizen, Ken ticks all those boxes with what he gives and what he contributes.

"There is no moral grounds for getting rid of him."

Other friends described Ken as a "kind and gentle soul" who "gave a lot and didn't want much in return".

The Home Office was recently criticised for changing their Twitter profile to Pride colours in support of Pride month in light of their decision to revoke Kenneth Macharia's right to live in the UK.

If Ken were to be returned to his home nation, especially following the media frenzy that surrounded his case towards the end of last year, he would almost certainly be at risk of being punished by the state, persecuted by the community, or both.

A Home Office spokesman said: "This government has a proud record of providing protection for asylum seekers fleeing persecution because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

"All available evidence is carefully and sensitively considered in light of published country information.

"All decisions on claims based on sexual orientation are subject to an additional safeguard reviewed by a second experienced caseworker."

Are you at the demonstration? Got a story to share?

Get in touch: michael.taylor@reachplc.com, tweet @JournoMikeT or call 01935 709742.

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