Tuesday, Kenyan prosecutors announced that they will prosecute a major suspect with murder in connection with the death of a famous LGBTQ activist whose body was found dumped in a metal box by the side of the road.
Edwin Kiprotich Kipruto, also known as Edwin Chiloba, was brutally murdered in early January, drawing criticism and cries for justice from friends and rights groups in Kenya and abroad.
Jacktone Odhiambo, a freelance photographer believed to be the victim’s lover, appeared in court in the Rift Valley town of Eldoret alongside four other suspects who were released when police determined they had no connection to the murder.
“Our investigation has revealed that four of the accused had no connection to the crime. However, the first suspect, Jacktone Odhiambo, will be charged with murder, state lawyer Anthony Fedha reportedly told the court, as reported by the Daily Nation.
Chiloba, a 25-year-old model and fashion designer, was suffocated to death, according to the government’s chief pathologist, Johansen Oduor.
A piece of denim was tied around Chiloba’s mouth and nose, and socks were put into his mouth, according to the autopsy report.
Approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) outside of Eldoret, his body was apparently dropped from a moving vehicle.
MURDER SPECULATIONS
Initially, it was believed that the murder was a hate crime, as members of Kenya’s LGBTQ minority have been harassed and physically attacked in the mostly Christian nation.
Even after his death, Chiloba was the victim of online hatred, prompting rights activists to demand for further steps to protect the LGBTQ community.
Homosexuality is frowned upon in Kenya and much of Africa.
Despite efforts to remove British colonial-era laws prohibiting homosexuality in Kenya, gay intercourse remains a crime punishable by up to 14 years in jail.
»Kenya will file a murder accusation for the slaying of an LGBTQ activist«