A rugby team in Bristol is calling on the Home Office to halt the deportation of one of its gay team members to Kenya, arguing he faces homophobic persecution and violence there.

Kenneth Macharia, 38, from Shepton Mallet in Somerset, could be deported “at any time” after being detained on Thursday when his request for asylum was rejected by the Home Office.

Bristol Bisons team member Kenneth Macharia has been detained pending deportation.

The LGBTQ+ team said Mr Macharia feared “persecution and violence in Kenya because he is gay”.

In a statement on Twitter, his teammates said he was “an integral part” of their group.

“His commitment to the ethos of rugby and inclusive gay rugby is second to none. We are at risk of losing one of the herd,” the statement continued.

Thangam Debbonaire, Mr Macharia’s local MP, has also pledged her support.