In a landmark ruling that underscores the plight of the LGBTQ+ community in Kenya, Jacktone Odhiambo has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for the murder of his housemate, Edwin Kiprotich Kipruto, commonly known as Edwin Chiloba. The verdict was delivered by Judge Reuben Nyakundi, who characterized the killing as occurring in a "diabolical manner" that warranted the severe punishment.
Chiloba, a 25-year-old fashion designer and vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, was brutally smothered and found deceased in a metal box on a roadside in Eldoret in early January 2023. His death has left a profound impact on the LGBTQ+ community in Kenya, raising alarm over the escalating violence against its members.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Nyakundi highlighted Odhiambo's lack of remorse during the proceedings. Upon hearing his fate, Odhiambo reportedly fell to the ground, weeping in the courtroom. The judge indicated that the evidence presented showed Odhiambo acted out of vengeance against a close friend, although the court did not explicitly determine a motive related to their personal relationship.
The prosecution, led by attorney Mark Mugun, detailed how Odhiambo squandered the victim's finances following the crime. Comprehensive evidence from a total of 23 witnesses, including critical DNA tests that linked him to the murder scene, was presented. Autopsy results confirmed that Chiloba died of asphyxiation, attributed to smothering, and revealed that he had suffered an assault before his death.
While speculations arose regarding intimate partner violence, the court refrained from concluding the case as such, emphasizing the need for further discussion on the issues of violence against the LGBTQ+ community in Kenya, a country where same-sex relations remain criminalized. This tragic incident not only brings to light the urgent need for stronger protections for LGBTQ+ individuals but also sparks continuing conversations about societal change regarding human rights in the region.
