Dj VnyashThe High Court in Eldoret is set to sentence freelance photographer Jacktone Odhiambo on Monday for the murder of LGBTQ rights activist and alleged lover, Edwin Kiprotich Kiptoo, known as Chiloba.
Judge Reuben Nyakundi will deliver the prison term after convicting Odhiambo last week for the high-profile murder. Chiloba, a student at the University of Eldoret studying Apparel Fashion and Design, was killed in an incident that shocked the nation.
Chiloba’s decomposing body was found on January 3, 2023, stuffed in a metal box abandoned along the Kipkenyo-Kaptinga road in Kapseret sub-county, Uasin Gishu county. Witnesses reported seeing people drop the box and flee in a vehicle. Investigations suggested that Chiloba was likely murdered at his apartment in Chepkolel, Moiben, where he lived with Odhiambo.
Justice Nyakundi concluded that Odhiambo had intentionally caused Chiloba’s death, meeting all criteria for murder under Section 203 of the Penal Code. Although five individuals were initially arrested in connection to the case, four were released, leaving Odhiambo as the only accused. He was charged with murder, pleaded not guilty, and later withdrew his bail application.
On the same day, Justice Nyakundi is also expected to sentence police constable Lilian Biwott, who stands accused of murdering her husband at Kimumu estate in Eldoret.
Silverio Omari
