A court in Kenya has found Jacktone Odhiambo guilty of the murder of LGBTQ activist Edwin Chiloba, whose body was discovered in a metal box two years ago. Odhiambo denied the charges despite DNA evidence linking him to the victim and witnesses testifying to the altercation between the two. The court did not determine the motive for the killing, but DNA evidence indicated an intimate physical relationship between the two. Chiloba’s death in January 2023 garnered global attention due to attitudes toward gay rights in Kenya, where same-sex relationships are illegal. The police ruled out a hate crime motive and Odhiambo, Chiloba’s housemate, was arrested for the murder. Chiloba, a fashion design student at the University of Eldoret, was known for his activism within the LGBTQ community and his advocacy against discrimination. Kenya is a conservative society, and LGBTQ rights are not a priority for the government. This case highlights the challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in a society where discrimination and violence against them persist. The verdict in this case sends a message about accountability for violence against LGBTQ individuals and the need for greater protection and rights for this marginalized community in Kenya.
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Photo credit wtop.com
Kenyan court convicts housemate for murder of LGBTQ activist
