In a landmark ruling on December 16, 2024, the Eldoret High Court sentenced Jacktone Odhiambo to 50 years in prison for the murder of prominent LGBTQ+ activist and fashion designer Edwin Kiprotich Kiptoo, widely known as Edwin Chiloba.
Case Background
Edwin Chiloba, a 25-year-old fashion designer and LGBTQ+ activist, was last seen on December 31, 2022, celebrating New Year’s Eve at Tamasha Lounge in Eldoret with his roommate and friend, Jacktone Odhiambo.
Chiloba went missing that night, and his body was discovered on January 3, 2023, inside a metal box abandoned by the roadside in the Kapseret area
Investigation and Trial
Investigations revealed that Odhiambo had been in possession of Chiloba’s iPhone and had conducted several M-Pesa transactions using the deceased’s phone, including the purchase of the metal box used to dispose of the body. Further forensic analysis indicated that Chiloba had been smothered to death and had suffered sexual assault prior to his murder according to BBC
During the trial, 23 witnesses testified over a two-year period. The court found that Odhiambo had planned the murder, waiting until they returned home from the nightclub to execute the crime.
Justice Reuben Nyakundi noted that Chiloba had defensive wounds, indicating he had tried to fight back during the attack.
Sentencing
Justice Nyakundi sentenced Odhiambo to 50 years in prison, citing the “diabolical manner” of the killing and Odhiambo’s lack of remorse.
The judge emphasized that the sentence should serve as a deterrent to such heinous crimes in the future.
Impact on the LGBTQ+ Community
Chiloba’s murder drew international attention to the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Kenya, where homosexuality remains illegal and is often met with societal discrimination. Despite the global outcry, Kenyan police ruled out the possibility that the killing was a hate crime.
The sentencing of Odhiambo marks a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals in Kenya. However, activists continue to call for greater protection and recognition of LGBTQ+ rights in the country.
