By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
A Kenyan court has sentenced Jacktone Odhiambo to 50 years in prison for the murder of LGBTQ activist Edwin Kiptoo, also known as Chiloba. Kiptoo’s body was discovered in a metal box in the western city of Eldoret in early 2023, sparking outrage and shock within Kenya’s LGBTQ community. Odhiambo, Kiptoo’s housemate, was found guilty of the crime earlier this month. Police believe the two had been in a relationship prior to the murder.
Odhiambo had initially denied the charges when he was arraigned in early February 2023. However, after a lengthy trial, the court found him guilty of murder. His lawyer, Sammy Mathai, confirmed the 50-year sentence, adding that he had not yet received instructions to appeal. In Kenya, homosexuality is illegal, and gay sex is punishable by up to 14 years in prison, although such laws are seldom enforced
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