Justice Reuben Nyakundi sentenced Jacktone Odhiambo to 50 years in prison for the premeditated murder of Edwin Chiloba.
“I have looked at the case and considered all the scales and the path between the death penalty and life imprisonment is that you will serve 50 years in prison for this crime,” Nyakundi said.
Chiloba’s family had asked the High Court in Eldoret to impose the death penalty.
The body of Chiloba, a prominent LGBTQ+ rights activist and model, was found stuffed in a metal box on the side of a road near Eldoret in early January.
The discovery sparked national and international outrage, with rights organizations raising concerns about the dangers facing LGBTQ+ individuals in Kenya.
How do Kenyans consider this sentence?
DW asked Nairobi residents what they thought of the sentence. Mercy Wairimu, a student at Jomo Kenyatta University, said: “I don’t agree with this LGBTQ content, but no one deserves to die like this. Justice has been served, and the killer got what he deserved.”
Businessman Frederic Monja said the outcome upheld basic human rights. “Chiloba’s death was a tragedy, and I’m glad the court took a strong stance. It’s a step toward justice in our country.”
Condemnation from human rights groups
Groups such as the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and Amnesty International Kenya condemned the killing. He urged the authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and justice for the slain worker.
Odhiambo, who was staying with Chiloba in an apartment in Eldoret, was arrested soon after the incident.
The investigation revealed that the murder occurred between December 31, 2022, and January 3, 2023, when the body was recovered.
The court heard testimony from 22 witnesses, including government pathologist Dr. Johanson Oduor confirmed that Chiloba died of asphyxiation.
According to Justice Nyakundi, despite Odhiambo’s denials of involvement, the evidence presented during the trial was overwhelming.
Call for stronger protection for sexual minorities
Activists in Kenya have called for stronger protections for sexual minorities and an end to violence and discrimination.
Ivy Werimba, communications and advocacy officer for Galk+, a coalition of 16 LGBTIQ organizations in Kenya, described the verdict as long-awaited justice for Kenya’s LGBTQ+ community.
“This is justice that took a long time to get there,” Werimba told DW. “I give credit to the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission and all the partners they are working with. They have been patient and have not only motivated the community to go to court, but to bring the case to their Has also inspired.” “The point where we finally get a sentencing date.”
Werimba said LGBTQ+ individuals face systemic barriers to access to justice in Kenya and across Africa.
“The system doesn’t think that the community really gets justice or should. In 2023, the first thing was just shock – that two men were in a relationship and it happened within a same-sex relationship,” he explains. Said reaction is reflected in the justice system and media conversations.
The ruling marks an important milestone for LGBTQ+ rights in Kenya
Despite the challenges, Werimba said the decision was a milestone.
He stressed, “It’s really great that we finally have a decision that highlights that when gay people are saying they want their rights, it’s not something special.”
“We are also Kenyan citizens living our lives and going through things that we want our institutions to help us with,” he said. “This decision is a sign of progress, showing that queer people are being paid attention to by various institutions, especially the judiciary.”
Francis Musi, a student at Jomo Kenyatta University, echoed Wereimba’s sentiments.
“This verdict shows that justice can work for everyone, no matter who they are. This is a step towards equality in our country,” Mussi told DW. “But honestly, this case only got attention because it was high-profile. There are so many other people who never get justice; they need justice, too.”
The case has drawn attention to the widespread violence and discrimination faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community in Kenya, where same-sex relationships are criminalized.
Activists have called for urgent reforms to protect marginalized communities, and stressed the importance of addressing deep-rooted social prejudices that often lead to tragic outcomes.
Edited by: Crispin Mavakideau
