Sweden Rejects Asylum Bid of Kenyan LGBTQ Activist
Swedish immigration authorities have rejected the asylum application of a Kenyan LGBTQ activist, raising concerns that he could face serious harm if returned to Kenya.
The man, originally from Nakuru County, left Kenya in 2022 after receiving direct threats from family members and others in his community. These threats reportedly included calls for violence, and his family has publicly disowned him. Human rights experts warn that such statements could incite further hostility.
Advocates also caution that a minor connected to the case may be at risk, as relatives of LGBTQ activists in Kenya are often targeted. International law prohibits deporting individuals to countries where they face a credible risk of persecution or death. Legal analysts argue that Sweden’s decision challenges this principle, given the documented hostility towards LGBTQ persons in Kenya.
One advocate described the case as a test of whether the Swedish Migration Department will act despite the applicant’s well‑founded fear of persecution. Human rights organisations have urged Swedish authorities to reconsider, stressing that protection of life must take precedence over procedure.
Situation in Kenya
The case comes amid growing hostility towards LGBTQ communities in Kenya. In 2023, the proposed Family Protection Bill sought to expand penalties for same‑sex relations, restrict inclusive education, and limit freedom of expression. The Bill was widely seen as a response to a Supreme Court ruling that allowed the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission to register under its chosen name.
Reports of police harassment, forced medical examinations intended to “prove” same‑sex activity, and discrimination in housing and healthcare have further shaped the climate. Activists warn that even perceived association with LGBTQ advocacy can expose individuals to mob violence and extrajudicial punishment.
Wider Implications
