Man jailed for murder of Kenyan LGBTQ+ activist Edwin Chiloba
Guardian5 days
Kenya: Man Sentenced to Prison for Murder of LGBTQ+ Activist
Above: A portrait of slain Kenyan LGBTQ+ activist Edwin Chiloba is carried by members of various Human Rights Defender groups in Nairobi, Kenya on Jan. 30, 2023. Image copyright: TONY KARUMBA/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
In Kenya, Jacktone Odhiambo, a 25-year-old photographer, received a 50-year prison sentence for murdering LGBTQ+ activist Edwin Chiloba, whose body was found in a metal box near Eldoret in January 2023.
DNA evidence confirmed an intimate relationship between the two men, who were housemates living near the University of Eldoret where Chiloba was a student.
The Spin
Narrative A
This is a deeply tragic case, but the verdict represents a significant milestone for justice and equality in Kenya, demonstrating that the legal system can protect all citizens regardless of identity. The thorough investigation and substantial sentence send a strong message about the severity of hate-motivated crimes and the need to protect vulnerable communities.
Narrative B
This case unnecessarily politicizes a personal dispute between housemates and draws unwarranted attention to private matters. Police have ruled out hate crimes in this case, which should be treated like any other murder investigation.
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