- Photographer Jacktone Odhiambo has been sentenced to 50 years in prison by the Eldoret High Court for the brutal 2023 murder of LGBTQ activist Edwin Chiloba
- Justice Reuben Nyakundi described the crime as premeditated and executed with deliberate cruelty
- Chiloba’s tragic death reportedly exposed the harsh realities of discrimination faced by Kenya’s LGBTQ community
Eldoret photographer Jacktone Odhiambo was sentenced to 50 years in prison for the brutal 2023 murder of LGBTQ activist and fashion icon Edwin Kiprotich, famously known as Chiloba.
The Eldoret High Court, under Justice Reuben Nyakundi, delivered the sentence, condemning the crime as a meticulously planned and deeply cruel act of malice.
Justice Nyakundi painted a grim picture of the events leading to Chiloba’s untimely death, describing Odhiambo’s actions as a betrayal of trust laced with calculated intent.
Chiloba, celebrated for his bold advocacy for inclusivity and self-expression, met his tragic end after enduring sexual assault.
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A post-mortem revealed he was smothered to death, his mouth gagged with denim and stuffed with socks.
His lifeless body was later dumped from a moving car, shocking the Eldoret community and igniting global outrage.
The court acknowledged that the crime had not only snuffed out a promising young life but had also left Chiloba’s family devastated.
As the family’s only son, his murder irreversibly ended their lineage, leaving behind a void that no sentence could fill.
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Justice Nyakundi lamented the loss, stating, “This act transcends mere murder—it was an assault on humanity and the values of dignity and respect.”
While the court recognized that the death penalty was traditionally reserved for such heinous acts, Kenya’s abolition of capital punishment in the Constitution meant Odhiambo was spared the ultimate sentence.
However, the judge emphasized the gravity of the punishment, noting that the 50-year term was intended to serve as both a penalty and a deterrent for future crimes of this nature.
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Chiloba’s murder highlighted the harsh realities faced by Kenya’s LGBTQ community, who often endure harassment, violence, and stigma in a society where homosexuality remains criminalized under colonial-era laws.
Despite his vibrant advocacy, Chiloba’s life was tragically cut short, underscoring the dangers of intolerance and prejudice in a conservative social landscape.
