In a verdict that echoes beyond the courtroom, a Kenyan court sentenced photographer Jacktone Odhiambo to 50 years in prison for the brutal murder of LGBTQ activist and fashion designer Edwin Chiloba. The case, which gripped the nation and drew international attention, exposed the violence and prejudice faced by the LGBTQ community in Kenya.
Justice Reuben Nyakundi delivered the sentence, describing the murder as a “diabolical act” and highlighting Odhiambo’s lack of remorse throughout the trial. Chiloba, a 25-year-old fashion designer and student at the University of Eldoret, was found dead in January 2023. His body, smothered and stuffed into a metal box, was left on a roadside—a grim reminder of the dangers LGBTQ individuals face in a society where their existence remains deeply polarizing.
The Crime and Its Aftermath
The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about the crime. Chiloba was smothered to death, with his face wrapped in denim and socks stuffed in his mouth. A post-mortem examination confirmed asphyxiation as the cause of death, and DNA evidence linked Odhiambo directly to the crime scene. Testimonies from 23 witnesses painted a picture of betrayal, greed, and intimate violence, with allegations that Odhiambo had sexually assaulted Chiloba before taking his life.
Prosecutors argued that Odhiambo had not only murdered Chiloba but also exploited his financial resources in the aftermath. While some speculated that the crime stemmed from a domestic dispute, the court refrained from concluding on the exact motive, focusing instead on the irrefutable evidence tying Odhiambo to the act.
The Ripple Effect on the LGBTQ Community
For Kenya’s LGBTQ community, the murder of Edwin Chiloba became a symbol of the ever-present threat of violence. Chiloba was not only a student and fashion designer but also a fearless advocate for LGBTQ visibility in a society where non-heteronormative identities are often met with hostility. His death sparked protests and vigils, both in Kenya and internationally, as activists demanded justice and better protections for LGBTQ individuals.
Although Kenya has made limited strides in recognizing LGBTQ rights, including court rulings against forced anal examinations, discrimination and violence remain rampant. Chiloba’s case has reignited calls for legal reforms and societal acceptance, with activists urging the government to address hate crimes more effectively.
The sentencing of Odhiambo may provide a semblance of closure to Chiloba’s loved ones, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the broader struggles faced by LGBTQ individuals in Kenya. The fight for equality, safety, and recognition continues, and Edwin Chiloba’s legacy lives on in the activism his tragic death inspired.