The conviction of Jacktone Odhiambo for the murder of Kenyan LGBTQ activist Edwin Chiloba has drawn significant attention, highlighting issues of safety, justice, and LGBTQ rights in Kenya and beyond.
Conviction in Murder of Kenyan LGBTQ Activist Edwin Chiloba Sparks Global Outrage
Conviction in Murder of Kenyan LGBTQ Activist Edwin Chiloba Sparks Global Outrage
A Kenyan court finds Edwin Chiloba's housemate guilty of murder, igniting discussions on LGBTQ rights in Africa.
In a landmark ruling, a Kenyan court has convicted Jacktone Odhiambo, a photographer and housemate of the late Edwin Kiprotich Kipruto, commonly known as Edwin Chiloba, for the murder of the LGBTQ activist. The court's decision comes nearly two years after Chiloba’s body was found stuffed in a metal box alongside a roadside in Eldoret, Kenya. The ruling was made by Judge Reuben Nyakundi, who stated that the evidence presented, including DNA tests linking Odhiambo to the crime, clearly demonstrated his guilt.
Chiloba, prominent for his activism and fashion design, was reported missing at the end of December 2022, with his lifeless body discovered shortly after in early January 2023. The post-mortem revealed he had been smothered to death, with striking details of socks stuffed in his mouth and denim material tied around his face. The judge noted the suspect's apparent motive of deep-seated hatred and indicated that Odhiambo had intentionally killed Chiloba, who he was believed to be romantically linked with.
The prosecution built a case around testimonies from 23 witnesses, successfully arguing that Odhiambo had intentionally caused the illegal death of his housemate. "You were close friends, and you should have protected his life," the judge emphasized, highlighting the betrayal of trust involved. Despite the guilty verdict, the court did not determine a clear motive for the murder.
The conviction of Jacktone Odhiambo has prompted considerable reaction, with the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission labeling it a notable step toward justice, not just for Edwin Chiloba, but for LGBTQ individuals throughout Kenya and Africa. The case has drawn international attention, underscoring the precariousness of LGBTQ rights in many regions of the world.
Odhiambo is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16, and the outcome may influence public discourse on human rights, safety, and the legal status of LGBTQ individuals in Kenya, as activists continue to campaign for equality and protection against violence and discrimination.
