The LGBTIQ community is in shock after the horrible death of renowned model and activist Edwin Chiloba in Kenya.
On Tuesday, police were notified that a metal box was spotted being abandoned from a car along the side of the road near Eldoret in the county of Uasin Gishu.
Local media report that when officers investigated, they discovered Chiloba’s corpse wrapped in a blanket and thrown inside a container.
It is believed that Chiloba was killed on December 31.
There are claims that his friend, roommate, and love partner, Jacktone Odhiambo, has been detained in connection with the murder.
There have also been claims that Chiloba’s neighbours heard a fight the night he was allegedly murdered.
The police are searching for two other men who allegedly assisted Odhiambo in transporting the remains.
Chiloba, who was renowned for embracing gender-fluid design, expressed his dedication to LGBTIQ+ equality in an Instagram post on December 16.
“So, my movement is for everyone. It’s about inclusion. And if I am going to fight what I have been marginalized for, I am going to fight for all marginalized people,” he said.
In response to Chiloba’s killing, campaigners from around the continent have voiced shock and sadness and demanded prompt justice.
“Words cannot even explain how as a community we are feeling right now,” said Kenyan LGBTIQ+ group galck+ in a statement. “You were a fighter, fighting for the LGBTQ+ community relentlessly and fearlessly. galck+ is deeply gutted and mourns the loss of one of our community members. You will be remembered all through and through and your death will not go unpunished.”
Pan Africa ILGA said it was saddened by Edwin Chiloba’s murder, describing him as a “Kenyan LGBTIQ+ activist, model and humanitarian [who] was well known for his passion for fashion and activism.”
South Africa’s Uthingo Network also offered its condolences to Chiloba’s family, friends, and LGBTIQ+ comrades, adding that “We will continue working to ensure that our communities are LGBTIQ+ inclusive and affirming so that everyone can live without fearing stigma, discrimination, and anti-LGBTIQ+ violence.”
South Africa’s Uthingo Network also offered its condolences to Chiloba’s family, friends, and LGBTIQ+ comrades, adding that “We will continue working to ensure that our communities are LGBTIQ+ inclusive and affirming so that everyone can live without fearing stigma, discrimination, and anti-LGBTIQ+ violence.”
»Prominent LGBTIQ+ activist brutally murdered in Kenya«