Kenyan Justice Reuben Nyakundi has ruled that the prosecution presented sufficient evidence to convict Jacktone Odhiambo of the murder of LGBTQ+ activist Edwin Chiloba. The sentencing is set for December 16, 2024.
In his ruling, Justice Nyakundi noted that forensic and DNA tests revealed an intimate relationship between Odhiambo and the victim, Chiloba, and this evidence was pivotal in linking Odhiambo to the crime. Chiloba, a prominent LGBTQ+ rights activist and model, was reported missing in January 2023, with his body found the following day stuffed in a metal box along a road near Eldoret, sparking national and international outcry.
Odhiambo, who had been living with Chiloba in an apartment in Eldoret, was arrested shortly after the incident. The prosecution presented 22 witnesses, including government pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor, who confirmed that Chiloba died from asphyxiation caused by smothering.
Despite Odhiambo’s denial of involvement, Justice Nyakundi stated that the evidence overwhelmingly pointed to his guilt. The judge highlighted that Odhiambo was the last person seen with Chiloba, and forensic evidence, including DNA tests, placed him at the scene of the crime. Additionally, Odhiambo was shown to have purchased the metal box used to dispose of Chiloba’s body using the victim’s M-Pesa account, which was used for several transactions after the murder.
The court also heard testimony from witnesses who saw Odhiambo and Chiloba together at a club in Eldoret from December 31, 2022, to January 3, 2023, the day the body was discovered. Witnesses also reported hearing cries from Chiloba around 3 a.m. on the night of the murder, possibly marking the final moments of his life.
Justice Nyakundi further revealed that the scientific evidence indicated that Odhiambo had committed an unlawful sexual act on Chiloba before killing him. The judge noted that Chiloba had defense injuries, suggesting he fought for his life, but Odhiambo ultimately strangled him to death.
While the motive for the murder remained unclear, Nyakundi stated that the brutality of the crime showed malice aforethought and deep hatred against the victim. The prosecution was led by state counsel Mark Mugun, who presented a strong case against Odhiambo.
Odhiambo, aged 25, used more than eight hours to defend himself, denying his involvement in the murder. He claimed that he fainted upon learning of Chiloba’s death through social media. However, his defense did not contradict the evidence presented by the prosecution.
Chiloba, a final-year student at the University of Eldoret pursuing a degree in Apparel Fashion and Design, was remembered as a courageous activist for LGBTQ+ rights. The murder has raised concerns about the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals in Kenya.
As the sentencing approaches, Chiloba’s relatives, some of whom were present in court, expressed their grief over the loss. Justice Nyakundi’s ruling serves as a significant moment in a case that has brought to light the dangers faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Kenya.
