This archive report was first published on 7 October 2019.
Published on October 7, 2019, Joji Baro's journey to asylum in Canada began in 2017 when he left Kenya due to death threats.
He initially applied for asylum in South Africa but was denied, leading to a two-year struggle in the country.
During his stay in South Africa, Joji Baro faced numerous challenges that left him traumatized.
However, his luck changed when he applied for asylum in Canada while still living in South Africa, and he was granted permanent residency in September of this year.
Joji Baro expressed his gratitude to his supporters through a tweet, saying, 'Thank you so much for your support. After two years of struggle and suffering, while seeking asylum in South Africa, I was granted permanent residency by Canada. Thank you all for the monetary and moral support. The petition you shared was successful too,'
Speaking to Mpasho in a phone interview, Joji Baro reflected on his journey, stating, 'It has been a journey that started with rejection and ended with acceptance. I was rejected by my family, my village, then my school, country, and eventually my continent.'
Joji Baro's experience has given him a platform to encourage fellow LGBTQ individuals in Kenya who are facing similar challenges.
He emphasized the importance of seeking help and not feeling trapped in their situation, saying, 'If their rights are not being respected, they can leave. There is a whole world out there that is ready to welcome them with both hands.'
Homosexuality remains illegal in Kenya, but Joji Baro's story serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking a better life.
