Kenyan jailed 50 years for murdering LGBTQI activist
The crime, which took place nearly two years ago, shocked Kenya's LGBTQ+ community and drew widespread attention.
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Kenyan photographer Jacktone Odhiambo has received a 50-year prison sentence for the murder of his housemate, Edwin Kiprotich Kipruto, widely known as Edwin Chiloba, an LGBTQ+ activist and fashion designer.
The crime, which took place nearly two years ago, shocked Kenya's LGBTQ+ community and drew widespread attention.
Presiding over the case, Judge Reuben Nyakundi described the crime as "diabolical" and noted Odhiambo’s apparent lack of remorse. However, after the sentence was delivered, Odhiambo caused a scene in court by collapsing and breaking into tears.
The court heard that Chiloba, then 25 years old, was smothered to death, and his body was later discarded inside a metal box on a roadside in Eldoret. Evidence presented by the prosecution included testimony from 23 witnesses and DNA analysis linking Odhiambo to the crime scene.
Prosecutor Mark Mugun argued that after killing Chiloba, Odhiambo misappropriated his funds. The court also learned that the victim’s body had been found with socks forced into his mouth and a denim cloth tied around his face. A post-mortem report confirmed asphyxiation as the cause of death.
The judge noted there were indications of sexual assault prior to the murder. Though some speculated that the killing stemmed from a personal or intimate dispute, no official motive was established during the proceedings.
Chiloba and Odhiambo had shared a home near the University of Eldoret, where Chiloba was a student. Reports suggested the two may have been in a relationship, though this was not confirmed in court.
In his final remarks, Judge Nyakundi characterized Odhiambo as vengeful, emphasizing the severity of the crime and its lasting impact.