Kenyan photographer gets 50 years for murdering LGBTQ+ activist

Kenyan photographer Jackton Odhiambo has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for murdering his roommate, LGBTQ+ activist Edwin Kiprotich Kiprut, popularly known as Edwin Chiloba, nearly two years ago.

Judge Reuben Nyakundi said the decades-long sentence was based on the “diabolical manner” of the murder.

Chiloba, a 25-year-old fashion designer, was strangled to death and his body dumped in a metal box on the side of the road to Eldoret.

The killing sent shockwaves through Kenya’s LGBTQ+ community.

Judge Nyakundi said Odhiamba, 25, was unrepentant about the murder.

However, after the verdict was read, Odhiambo caused an uproar in the courtroom by collapsing and crying.

“I have considered all the factors and found that Odhiambo was a vengeful man who committed the murder of his close friend,” the judge said.

Chiloba and Adhiamba were housemates who lived near the University of Eldoret where Chiloba was a student. There were some reports that the two men were in a relationship.

The prosecution, led by Mark Mugun, told the court that Odhiamba embezzled the activist’s money after his murder.

The prosecution also presented testimony from 23 witnesses, including DNA tests that linked Odhiambo to the crime scene.

Chiloba’s body was found with socks stuffed in her mouth and a piece of denim tied around her face.

An autopsy revealed that he died of suffocation.

Evidence also showed that the suspect sexually assaulted Chiloba before taking his life.

There was speculation that this was a case of intimate partner murder, but the court did not rule on a motive for the murder.