Housemate convicted of murdering Kenyan LGBT activist

Edwin Chiloba was an LGBTQ activist and fashion designer

AFP Edwin Chiloba, with a LGBTQ pride flag painted on the right half of his face, poses for a portrait at a studio in Eldoret on June 6, 2022. — Edwin Chiloba was an LGBTQ activist and fashion designer

A Kenyan court has convicted a photographer for the murder of LGBT activist Edwin Kiprotich Kipruto, popularly known as Edwin Chiloba, whose body was found dumped in a metal box nearly two years ago.

The court in the western city of Eldoret ruled that the prosecution had proved that Jacktone Odhiambo, who was Chiloba’s housemate, had killed him.

Chiloba’s body had been found dumped on the roadside in Eldoret, where he was a university student.

The murder sparked global condemnation, with human rights groups saying it was because of his sexuality.

Judge Reuben Nyakundi ruled that the evidence, including DNA tests, had linked the accused to the murder.

The evidence also indicated that the suspect had sexually assaulted the deceased before killing him.

The judge said the prosecution had proved the suspect’s deliberate intention and deep hatred against the deceased.

“He was a young man whom you strangled until he lost his life at the peak of his life. You were close friends, and you should have protected his life,” said the judge.

The court did not make any finding on the motive for the killing.

Chiloba’s body was found in early January last year with socks stuffed into his mouth and a piece of denim from jeans tied around his face.

A post-mortem indicated that he had died from lack of oxygen, caused by smothering.

Odhiambo, who was believed to have been in a relationship with the deceased, was accused of killing Chiloba between 31 December 2022 and 3 January 2023. He had denied the charges.

On Wednesday, the prosecution said in a post on X that it had presented evidence from 23 witnesses “detailing the events leading to Chiloba’s death and proving beyond reasonable doubt that [Odhiambo] intentionally caused the unlawful death”.

The National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission said the “landmark ruling” was a “significant step toward justice for Edwin and all LGBTQ residents of Kenya, Africa and beyond”.

Odhiambo is due to be sentenced on 16 December.