Kenyan LGBT Activist’s Housemate Convicted of Murder

A Kenyan court has found a photographer guilty of the murder of LGBT activist Edwin Kiprotich Kipruto, widely known as Edwin Chiloba, whose remains were discovered in a metal box nearly two years ago. The court in the western city of Eldoret determined that the prosecution had successfully demonstrated that Jacktone Odhiambo, who resided with Chiloba, was responsible for his death. Chiloba’s body was found abandoned on the roadside in Eldoret, where he was enrolled as a university student. The killing drew global condemnation, with human rights organizations attributing it to his sexuality. Kenya is a relatively conservative society, and gay sex is prohibited by law, carrying a penalty of up to 14 years in prison, although it is not clear whether any convictions have been made under this statute. However, the Supreme Court last year affirmed a ruling that allows LGBT individuals the right to associate and register a rights organization. Judge Reuben Nyakundi ruled that the evidence, which included DNA tests, had established a link between the accused and the murder. The evidence also indicated that the suspect had sexually assaulted Chiloba before taking his life. The judge stated that the prosecution had proven the suspect’s deliberate intention and deep hatred against the deceased. “He was a young man whom you strangled until he lost his life at the peak of his life. You were close friends, and you should have protected his life,” the judge declared. The court did not make any finding regarding the motive for the killing. Chiloba’s body was discovered in early January last year with socks stuffed into his mouth and a piece of denim from jeans tied around his face. A post-mortem examination indicated that he had died from lack of oxygen, caused by smothering. Odhiambo, who was believed to have been in a relationship with the deceased, was accused of killing Chiloba between December 31, 2022, and January 3, 2023. He had denied the charges. On Wednesday, the prosecution stated in a post on X that it had presented evidence from 23 witnesses “detailing the events leading to Chiloba’s death and proving beyond reasonable doubt that [Odhiambo] intentionally caused the unlawful death.” The National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission described the “landmark ruling” as a “significant step toward justice for Edwin and all LGBTQ residents of Kenya, Africa and beyond.” Odhiambo is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16.