Kenyan court makes final decision in shocking metal box murder case
A Kenyan court found the answer in high-profile murder case of LGBTQ activist found in metal box last winter. The guilty verdict came after a year-long trial of victims live-in friend
The long-awaited verdict in a well-known Kenyan murder case came this winter when a court found the housemate guilty of killing a well-known rights defender. Edwin Kiptoo (known as Chiloba) was found dead in western Kenya about a year ago
The case shocked many in Eldoret city when police found Kiptoos body inside a metal-box on a winter morning (this discovery led to country-wide discussions about safety issues). His housemate Jacktone Odhiambo — who lived with the victim and possibly had a close relationship with him — was charged for the crime that happened during new-years celebrations
The high-court judge Reuben Nyakundi looked at evidence and made his decision: the facts showed clear guilt. Odhiambos lawyer Sammy Mathai said to press: “My client got murder verdict; well hear about punishment mid-december“
The victim was known for his work in several areas:
- Rights activism in East Africa
- Fashion design projects
- Local modeling career
This case brought attention to Kenyas laws where same-gender relationships face strict rules — with possible jail time up to 14 years (though its rarely used in real life)
