Kenyan Photographer Jacktone Odhiambo Sentenced to 50 Years for Killing Edwin Chiloba
Kenyan photographer Jacktone Odhiambo has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for the brutal murder of Edwin Kiprotich Kipruto, widely known as Edwin Chiloba, a celebrated LGBTQ+ activist and fashion designer.
The ruling was delivered by Judge Reuben Nyakundi, who described the act as carried out in a “diabolical manner.”
The Murder and Investigation
Chiloba, a 25-year-old fashion designer and student at the University of Eldoret, was smothered to death in January 2023. His body was later discovered in a metal box abandoned by the roadside in Eldoret, shocking Kenya’s LGBTQ+ community and sparking national outrage.
Prosecutors presented damning evidence, including DNA analysis and witness testimonies from 23 individuals, which conclusively linked Odhiambo to the crime scene.
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A post-mortem report revealed that Chiloba died from asphyxiation due to smothering. The court also heard that Chiloba’s body was found with socks stuffed into his mouth and a piece of denim tied around his face. Prosecutors further noted that Odhiambo had sexually assaulted Chiloba before taking his life.
Court’s Findings and Sentencing
Judge Nyakundi emphasized that Odhiambo showed no remorse throughout the trial. He noted that the murder was not only vengeful but also “gruesome” in its execution.
“I have considered all factors and found that Odhiambo was a vengeful person who committed the killing of his close friend,” said the judge during sentencing.
Despite the conviction, the court did not establish a definitive motive for the killing. Earlier reports speculated that the two men may have been in a relationship, suggesting the crime may have been a case of intimate partner violence.
Courtroom Drama
After the sentence was handed down, Odhiambo caused a commotion by collapsing and crying in the courtroom, a display that contrasted sharply with his earlier lack of remorse during the proceedings.
Prosecution Details
The prosecution, led by Mark Mugun, detailed how Odhiambo exploited Chiloba’s death for financial gain, splurging the activist’s money following the murder.
Impact on Kenya’s LGBTQ+ Community
The murder of Edwin Chiloba sent shockwaves through Kenya’s LGBTQ+ community, which continues to face widespread discrimination and stigma. Chiloba’s death highlighted ongoing challenges for LGBTQ+ individuals in the region, where advocacy for rights remains both dangerous and contentious.
Conclusion
With Odhiambo sentenced to 50 years in prison, the verdict brings some measure of justice for Edwin Chiloba and his loved ones. However, his tragic death remains a stark reminder of the dangers faced by LGBTQ+ activists in Kenya.
