A Kenyan man has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for the murder of LGBTQ+ activist Edwin Chiloba, whose mutilated body was found in a metal box nearly two years ago.
The High Court in Eldoret convicted Jacktone Odhiambo, Chiloba’s housemate, of the January 2023 killing, a case that drew international attention to Kenya’s treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals. While Chiloba was widely known in the LGBTQ+ community for his activism against discrimination, same-sex relationships remain illegal in Kenya, and President William Ruto has dismissed gay rights as a “nonissue.”
Odhiambo denied the murder despite DNA evidence linking him to the crime scene and the victim’s body, AP reported. Witnesses testified to hearing arguments between the two housemates and later seeing Odhiambo moving the metal box where Chiloba’s remains were found.
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Justice Reuben Nyakundi ruled that Odhiambo had premeditated the murder, attacking Chiloba after the two returned home from a nightclub. The judge noted that Chiloba had injuries on his hands, indicating he attempted to fight back.
The court did not determine a motive for the killing, although DNA evidence revealed the two men had an intimate relationship. Authorities ruled out the possibility of a hate crime, despite ongoing concerns from Kenya’s LGBTQ+ community about widespread discrimination and violence.
Odhiambo retains the right to appeal the sentencing.
