After fleeing persecution in his native Kenya because of his disabled rights campaigning, Peter Gichura is working hard to secure the rights of local disabled people in the UK.

But despite his efforts to remain in the country and continue this much needed work he faces deportation and almost certain death.

In 2006, detained in Harmondsworth, he was left without accessible washing and toilet facilities, not given the correct medication and subjected to painful body searches.

Peter challenged the Home Office using the Disability Discrimination Act and won his case, ensuring that all disabled people in custody before December 2006 have the protection of anti-discrimination legislation.

But the authorities’ liability over how he was treated is still to be decided.

The case is likely to be heard in 2009.

If deported, he will not be able to give evidence. He said: “If my campaign to stay in the country is successful, I will campaign on behalf of every disabled person in Croydon.

“I never want anyone to go through what I have been through, no matter how long it takes, I will not forget them.”

Peter has a fervent wish to highlight the plight not only of disabled asylum seekers, but also fight for the rights of all disabled people in the capital.

He works voluntarily organising the Disability Relief Network Centre to instigate a network of disabled charities and act as an umbrella organisation to lobby parliament on their behalf.

He said: "They wanted me to be the leader, but due to my current asylum status, this is not possible.”

But Peter feels frustrated with the services available in Croydon.

When he arrived in London, he was housed in an elderly nursing home for two years and subsequently placed in a flat with no disabled living amenities, where he remains.

He said of local services: "Many charitable organisations and the local council do provide services, but don't fully understand what a disability is. Research is the first thing that is needed. I always say 'you can't talk about me without me'."

His campaigning for the rights of disabled people began after suffering a serious spinal injury that forced him in to a wheelchair.

“In Kenya, to have a disability is to be cursed. The Government want to shut you up by bribery, and if that doesn't work, by persecution."