In a landmark ruling that has captured global attention, Jacktone Odhiambo, the housemate of prominent LGBTQ+ activist Edwin Chiloba, was sentenced to 50 years in prison for his murder.
The gruesome crime, which involved the discovery of Chiloba’s mutilated body in a metal box, has sparked widespread discussions about LGBTQ+ rights and safety in Kenya.
A Shocking Crime
The High Court in Eldoret found Odhiambo guilty of the premeditated murder of Edwin Chiloba, whose body was found stuffed in a metal container along a roadside in January 2023.
The case drew international condemnation and highlighted the pervasive discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Kenya, where same-sex relationships remain illegal.
During the trial, DNA evidence linked Odhiambo to the crime, indicating that he and Chiloba had an intimate relationship.
Despite this evidence, Odhiambo denied any involvement in the murder.
The court did not establish a clear motive for the killing, but testimonies revealed that witnesses heard arguments between the two men prior to the incident.
The Court’s Findings
Justice Reuben Nyakundi emphasized the brutal nature of the crime during sentencing, noting that Odhiambo had planned the murder after returning home from a nightclub with Chiloba.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that Chiloba had defensive wounds on his hands, suggesting he fought back against his attacker.
The court heard from multiple witnesses who testified about seeing Odhiambo moving the metal box containing Chiloba’s body.
In his ruling, Justice Nyakundi stated, “You harbored such animosity and ill will against your trusted friend that you ensured his murder would resonate throughout Uasin Gishu County and beyond.”
Implications for LGBTQ+ Rights in Kenya
Chiloba was well-known within Kenya’s LGBTQ+ community for his activism against discrimination and violence.
His murder has raised alarm among human rights organizations, which argue that it underscores the dangers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in a country where societal attitudes remain largely conservative.
Despite calls from activists for authorities to recognize this crime as a hate crime, police ruled out this possibility.
The National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission described the ruling as a significant step towards justice for both Edwin Chiloba and all LGBTQ+ residents of Kenya.
A Call for Change
As Jacktone Odhiambo prepares to serve his sentence, this case serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in Kenya.
Activists continue to advocate for greater protections and recognition of sexual minorities within the legal framework.
With President William Ruto dismissing gay rights as a non-issue and maintaining that same-sex relations are illegal, many hope that this case will spark necessary conversations about safety, justice, and human rights for all Kenyans.
As the LGBTQ+ community mourns the loss of Edwin Chiloba, they also call for solidarity and action to ensure that such tragedies do not occur again.
The fight for equality and justice continues as advocates push for systemic change in a society still grappling with deeply entrenched prejudices.
Source: africanews
