Various items, including blood samples and swabs, collected from the body of slain LGBTQ activist Edwin Kiprotich, known as Chiloba, were presented at the High Court in Eldoret.
These samples, which also encompass materials from Jacktone Odhiambo, the primary suspect in Chiloba’s murder, were exhibited during the hearing presided over by Justice Reuben Nyakundi.
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Polycarp Luta Kweyu, the Principal Chemist at the government chemist in Kisumu, testified about the samples. He received the initial batch on January 11, 2023, consisting of anal swabs, fingernail clippings, clothes, including underwear and socks, as well as bed sheets from the crime scene.
Subsequently, on January 19 of the same year, Luta received an additional 27 items from the DCI in Eldoret, including those collected from Odhiambo.
Luta’s task was to establish the genetic relationship between the two sets of materials. His findings revealed positive tests for spermatozoa on stains from the cannula swab, boxer shorts, and red trousers. The male DNA profile extracted from these stains indicated a mixture of Chiloba and Odhiambo.
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Furthermore, Luta disclosed that the male DNA profiles from the bed cover matched seminal fluids attributed to Jacktone Odhiambo.
During cross-examination by Odhiambo’s lawyer, Mathai Maina, Luta clarified that Odhiambo was not presented at the government chemist during sample collection. However, the samples received were reportedly obtained from Moi Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
Due to the condition of some items and for convenience, Justice Nyakundi decided to relocate the hearing outside the courtroom for the display of the items.
After a brief break to acquire masks, the items, tightly packed and sealed in waterproof envelopes, were exhibited.
Odhiambo has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Chiloba, whose body was found in a metallic box dumped on the outskirts of Eldoret. Allegedly, the murder took place at Noble Breeze apartment, where Chiloba resided with the suspect.
The hearing continues.