A Kenyan man facing deportation claims his life will be in danger if Canada sends him back to Kenya.
Charles Mwangi, 48, arrived in search of safety, fleeing his home in Kenya because he is bisexual.
Mwangi and his supporters on Wednesday, August 21 protested outside his local MP’s office to deliver a petition with 2,000 signatures.
The Kenyan also wanted a meeting about the looming deportation in the hopes of stopping it.
“It’s something the government needs to consider. This is about life and death, we are talking about my life,” Mwangi said.
According to CTV News Toronto, the father of three claimed asylum in 2019 and worked on the front lines of the pandemic as a personal support worker, cook and cleaner.
Mwangi made the Jane and Finch – Black Creek neighbourhood his home.
The Kenyan said he fears persecution by his community if he returns.
Mwangi revealed that the Canadian government purchased a plane ticket for him to leave on Sunday, August 25.
“We all believe Canada is a safe haven for LGBTQ+ people, but when you come here, things can be opposite because I don’t know how I can explain my sexuality to anybody,” Mwangi said.
Rev. Susan Karanja, housemate and pastor emotionally said she does not want to see Mwangi go and has watched him always support his family back in Kenya.
“No, no this one will not go,” said Karanja getting emotional. “I have prayed about it, we have talked about it, we have cried together. I’ve counselled him as a pastor. I’m like his emotional big sister.” Karanja said.
Every year, an increasing number of Kenyans set out for the diaspora, seeking life fulfilment and promising opportunities abroad.
Among them is 33-year-old Daniel Wanyeki, who recently made the bold decision to leave his well-paying bank job in Kenya and start anew in Canada.
