Edwin Chiloba was a budding fashion designer and a student of Fashion and Design at the University of Eldoret. But to many, he was a vocal LGBTQIA+ rights advocate in Kenya who openly shared his experiences as a marginalized community member. His untimely death in early 2023 stirred outcry throughout the community, a gruesome reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ activists in the country.
In a landmark ruling, the High Court of Eldoret recently sentenced Jacktone Odhiambo to 50 years in prison for Chiloba’s murder, nearly two years after the act. The sentencing judge cited conclusive DNA evidence and 23 witness testimonies linking Odhiambo, a close acquaintance of Chiloba, to the crime scene. The sentencing brought a measure of justice to Chiloba’s family and the wider LGBTQIA+ community, who had called for accountability following his tragic demise. However, some still believe the penalty could have been more harsh.
Chiloba’s death underscored the harsh realities faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in Kenya, where Section 162 of the Penal Code criminalizes same-sex relations, perpetuating stigma and hostility.
Don’t get me wrong, the court’s ruling represents progress in holding perpetrators of violence accountable. But it also serves as a stark reminder of the remaining systemic challenges.
Standard Media Kenya reports that the presiding judge noted the gravity of the crime and the calculated efforts by the accused to evade detection. While Chiloba’s family had requested the death penalty, the penalty has not been executed in Kenya since the 80s. Instead, the court imposed a 50-year sentence and reiterated that Odhiambo indeed deserved the death penalty.
It’s also important to note that the sentencing judge included a pointed reminder that same-sex unions were still immoral and unlawful in Kenya. Some would see this as stressing the legal and social barriers faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals based on their sexual orientation.
Chiloba will be remembered as a brave advocate, even in the face of adversity. His story calls for us to continue the fight against discrimination, strengthen inclusivity, and uphold the dignity of all individuals, regardless of their identity.
Article By Cynthia Njue