Kenyan Man Sentenced to Five Decades for LGBTQ+ Activist’s Murder

Jacktone Odhiambo, a Kenyan photographer, has received a 50-year prison sentence for the murder of his housemate, Edwin Kiprotich Kipruto, an LGBTQ+ activist also known as Edwin Chiloba. The crime occurred almost two years prior. Judge Reuben Nyakundi stated that the lengthy sentence was imposed due to the “diabolical manner” in which the killing was carried out. Chiloba, a 25-year-old fashion designer, died from smothering, and his remains were subsequently discarded in a metal box by the roadside in Eldoret. This homicide deeply impacted Kenya’s LGBTQ+ community, causing widespread shock. Justice Nyakundi noted that Odhiambo, aged 25, displayed no regret for the murder. Nevertheless, following the pronouncement of the sentence, Odhiambo created a disturbance in the courtroom by collapsing and weeping. The judge remarked, “I have considered all factors and found that Odhiambo was a vengeful person who committed the killing of his close friend.” Chiloba and Odhiambo shared a residence close to the University of Eldoret, where Chiloba was enrolled as a student. Reports indicated that the two individuals may have been in a relationship. The prosecution, headed by Mark Mugun, informed the court that Odhiambo spent the activist’s money lavishly subsequent to the killing. The prosecution also presented evidence from 23 witnesses, which included DNA tests connecting Odhiambo to the location of the crime. Chiloba’s remains were discovered with socks forced into his mouth and a denim fabric secured around his face. An autopsy revealed that his death resulted from asphyxiation, brought about by smothering. Furthermore, the evidence demonstrated that the suspect had sexually assaulted Chiloba prior to ending his life. While there had been conjecture that this constituted an intimate partner murder, the court did not establish any finding regarding the motive behind the killing.