Bisexual Man in GTA Urgently Appeals to Remain in Canada as Deportation Looms in Four Days
A Kenyan man facing imminent deportation fears for his life if he is sent back to his home country in just four days.
Charles Mwangi, 48, fled Kenya in search of safety, as he is bisexual and feared persecution in his homeland. On Wednesday, he and his supporters gathered outside his local MP’s office to protest the impending deportation, delivering a petition with 2,000 signatures in a desperate attempt to halt the process.
“This is a matter of life and death—the government needs to understand that,” Mwangi told CTV News Toronto on Wednesday. “We’re talking about my life here.”
Since seeking asylum in 2019, the father of three has worked tirelessly on the front lines during the pandemic as a personal support worker, cook, and cleaner, making the Jane and Finch – Black Creek neighbourhood his home.
Mwangi expressed deep concern over the persecution he might face from his local community in Kenya if forced to return. He revealed that the Canadian government has already purchased a plane ticket for his departure on Sunday, August 25.
“We all believe Canada is a safe haven for LGBTQ+ people, but once you’re here, the reality can be different. I don’t know how to explain my sexuality to anyone,” Mwangi said.
His housemate, Rev. Susan Karanja, who has witnessed his struggles firsthand, expressed her strong opposition to his deportation.
“No, this one will not go,” Karanja said, her voice filled with emotion. “I have prayed, we’ve talked, and we’ve cried together. I’ve counseled him as a pastor, and I’m like his emotional big sister.”
The protest outside the MP’s office grew tense at times. Initially, a staff member agreed to meet with Mwangi and his advocates, but the meeting was abruptly canceled and later rescheduled. Eventually, Mwangi managed to deliver the petition and met with the MP to plead his case.
Following the meeting, Mwangi and his supporters reported that the MP’s office agreed to contact the immigration minister and reconnect on Thursday in the hope of reversing the deportation order.
A spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada stated in an email to CTV News Toronto that they could not comment on individual cases due to privacy laws. However, they mentioned that individuals facing removal may be eligible to apply for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) as part of their removal process.
“A decision to remove someone from Canada is not taken lightly. Every individual facing removal is entitled to due process, but once all avenues to appeal are exhausted, they are removed from Canada in accordance with Canadian law,” the statement read.
