Trapped at the Border: A Father's Story of Injustice

Exactly two weeks ago today, I went through one of the most heartbreaking and frustrating experiences of my life. Between late morning and early afternoon, I was held at the Taveta border and denied entry into Kenya—despite having all the necessary documents, including a valid visitor’s permit and an official invitation letter.

The Kenyan Immigration officers refused to speak with me. When I asked for clarification, I was told flatly that I would never be allowed to enter Kenya unless I obtain a work permit. No other reason was given. My attempts to explain that I simply wanted to see my child were ignored. No empathy. No flexibility. No conversation. Just rejection.

While I stood there for hours, held by officials with no explanation beyond a bureaucratic wall, I recorded the experience. I now have several hours of footage documenting what happened—a silent testimony to how a system can dehumanize and block basic rights.

And the situation doesn’t end at the border.

My child, born in Kenya, is also being denied the right to see me. Germany refuses to grant her citizenship, which means she cannot visit me either. The German embassy in Nairobi refuses to assist, stating they won’t get involved. Their silence is loud.

This is not just about paperwork. This is about a child growing up without her father. It’s about a system that chooses walls over bridges, and bureaucracy over humanity. Kenya, by refusing me entry, is keeping a father away from his child. Germany, by refusing to act under §13 StGB, is complicit in that injustice.

In the coming days, I’ll share more about my past travels and how this situation unfolded. I’ll also be releasing videos and updates on TikTok—because this story needs to be heard. Not just for me, but for every parent and child caught between borders and bureaucracies.

Stay tuned—and thank you for standing with me.

https://www.tiktok.com/@rubenstorm/video/7498284698192416018

Message for my Daughter:

You just celebrated your birthday, little sweet girl, but we couldn't be together because of the unjust actions of Germany and Kenya. Germany denies you your citizenship and even your name. Kenya denies me entry, even though I had a visitor's permit. This is the injustice of two countries, and you are the innocent victim of it. I am so sorry.