Fred Orido
27 August 2008
Nairobi — A man claiming to be a Kenyan has sought asylum in Iceland, claiming his life is in danger because of his association with ODM in the last General Election.
Paul Ramses Oduor was initially denied asylum but has appealed.
The man claims that the Kenyan Government planned to execute him over what he says is his involvement in campaigns for the ODM.
But on Wednesday, Government spokesman Alfred Mutua and Prime Minister Raila Odinga's spokesman Salim Lone dismissed the claims.
Dr Mutua said Mr Oduor had no criminal record and that the Government was not interested in him while Mr Lone denied any knowledge of the man.
Uncertain future
According to Iceland Review.com, Mr Oduor's future and that of his wife and two-month-old son is uncertain as Iceland's Directorate of Immigration has not made a decision on his asylum application.
In early July, Mr Oduor was arrested at his home in Iceland where he has lived since January and deported to Italy. Reports indicate that Italy was the first country to grant him a visa and, under European rules, Iceland deported Mr Oduor to that country.
"The police told me that the directorate had reached a decision and that they had permission to deport me," he said.
Make decision
"I was told when I applied for asylum that I fulfilled the requirements but that the Directorate of Immigration had to make the decision," Mr Oduor said.
Explaining how he got to seek asylum Mr Oduor said: "Back home they kicked and hit me because I participated in politics. I fear for my life."
He says he fled following persecution after he unsuccessfully "ran" for Nairobi City Council elections.
Mr Oduor is said to have some connection with Iceland because he worked with Icelanders in building a school in Nairobi. He also worked with an Iceland-based charity and lived in Iceland in 2005.
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