A man has been convicted of the murder of Kenyan LGBTQ+ activist and university student Edwin Chiloba, whose body was discovered nearly two years ago.
The Kenyan court ruled that that photographer Jacktone Odhiambo, who was living with Chiloba, had killed him. The evidence also indicated that the suspect had sexually assaulted Chiloba.
The judge said the prosecution had proved 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,” said the judge.
The court did not make any finding about the motive for the killing.
Chiloba’s body was found 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 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 31 December 2022 and 3 January 2023. He had denied the charges.
The National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission said the “landmark ruling” was a “significant step toward justice for Edwin and all LGBTQ residents of Kenya, Africa and beyond”.
Kenya is a relatively conservative society and gay sex is illegal, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. However, the Supreme Court last year affirmed a ruling allowing LGBTQ+ people the right to associate and register a rights organisation.
