Kenyan photographer Jacktone Odhiambo has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for the murder of his housemate, LGBTQ+ activist Edwin Kiprotich Kipruto, popularly known as Edwin Chiloba, almost 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 smothered to death and his body dumped in a metal coffin by the roadside in Eldoret.
The murder sent shockwaves through Kenya’s LGBTQ+ community.
Judge Nyakundi said Odhiambo showed no remorse for the killing.
However, after the verdict was read, Odhiambo caused a commotion in the courtroom by falling and crying.
“I have taken into consideration all the factors and have come to the conclusion that Odhiambo was a vindictive person who committed the murder of his close friend,” the judge said.
Chiloba and Odhiambo had been housemates living near the University of Eldoret, where Chiloba was studying. There were reports that the two men were in a relationship.
The prosecution, led by Mark Mugun, told the court that Odhiambo squandered the activist’s money after killing him.
Evidence from 23 witnesses, including DNA tests linking Odhiambo to the crime scene, was also presented by the prosecution.
Chiloba’s body was found with socks stuffed in his mouth and a piece of jeans tied around his face.
An autopsy revealed that he had died of asphyxiation caused by suffocation.
The evidence also showed that the suspect sexually assaulted Chiloba before taking his own life.
There was speculation that it was the murder of an intimate partner, but the court did not rule on the motive for the murder.
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[Getty Images/BBC]
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