A Kenyan housemate of an LGBTQ+ activist was sentenced to 50 years in prison on Monday for the murder of Edwin Chiloba, whose mutilated body was found in a metal box almost two years ago.
The High Court in Eldoret found Jacktone Odhiambo guilty of the January 2023 killing, which garnered international attention regarding attitudes towards gay rights in predominantly conservative Kenya. President William Ruto has dismissed gay rights as a non-issue, and sex between men remains illegal in the country.
Edwin Chiloba was a prominent figure in Kenya’s LGBTQ+ community, known for his activism against discrimination.
Despite denying the murder, Odhiambo’s DNA was found on Chiloba’s body. He has the right to appeal the sentence. DNA evidence suggested the two men had an intimate relationship, though the court did not establish a motive for the killing.
Witnesses testified during the trial that they heard arguments between the housemates and saw Odhiambo later moving the metal box.
Justice Reuben Nyakundi stated that Odhiambo premeditated the murder, waiting until they returned home from a nightclub. Chiloba had defensive wounds on his hands, indicating he tried to fight back, Nyakundi added.
While LGBTQ+ individuals in Kenya have reported discrimination and attacks, police ruled out the possibility that the killing was a hate crime.
Frances Ibiefo
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