The High Court in Eldoret is scheduled to sentence freelance photographer Jacktone Odhiambo on Monday for the murder of LGBTQ rights activist and alleged lover Edwin Kiprotich Kiptoo, popularly known as Chiloba.
Presiding Judge Justice Reuben Nyakundi will determine Odhiambo’s prison term after convicting him of the high-profile murder last week. Chiloba, a University of Eldoret (UoE) student pursuing a degree in Apparel Fashion and Design, was killed in an incident that shocked the nation.
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Update: DNA findings reveal personal interactions between activist Chiloba and Odhiambo
Chiloba’s decomposing body was discovered on January 3, 2023, stuffed in a metallic box abandoned along the Kipkenyo-Kaptinga road in Kapseret sub-county, Uasin Gishu county. Witnesses reported seeing individuals drop off the box before fleeing in a vehicle. Investigations revealed that Chiloba was likely murdered at his apartment in Chepkolel, Moiben, where he lived with Odhiambo.
Justice Nyakundi ruled that Odhiambo had intentionally caused Chiloba’s death, meeting all elements of murder as defined under Section 203 of the Penal Code. While five suspects were initially arrested in connection with the case, four were released, leaving Odhiambo as the sole accused. He was charged with murder, pleaded not guilty, and later withdrew his bail application.
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On the same day, Justice Nyakundi is also expected to sentence police constable Lilian Biwott, who is accused of murdering her husband at Kimumu estate in Eldoret.
