Inconsistencies in LGBTQ Activist Edwin Chiloba's Murder Case

Chiloba and Oduor
A photo collage of LGBTQ activist Edwin Chiloba (left) and Government Pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor (right).
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It took one minute, thirty-one seconds press conference to unravel the truth about the death of an LBGTQ activist Edwin Chiloba. 

Through the lenses of the government pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor, another narrative sluggishly strode to the top -- in the pecking order.

Local and international media organisations made unfounded claims on the leads that insinuated that Chiloba was killed due to his sexual orientation and affiliation to the LGBTQ community. 

"A gay activist and fashion designer was murdered and his body found stuffed inside a metal box in Kenya, the police noted on Friday, January 6, 2023 in another episode that raised questions about dangers and discrimination faced by gay people across the East African nation," New York Times reported.

LGBTQ activist Edwin Chiloba poses for a picture on April 13, 2022.
LGBTQ activist Edwin Chiloba poses for a picture on April 13, 2022.
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Edwin Chiloba

The suggestion that Chiloba might have been killed due to his sexual orientation attracted global attention, with the American government offering to assist in the investigations. 

However, after the postmortem report and arraignment of suspects in court, a number of inconsistencies emerged.

1. Chiloba's Death 

On Friday, January 6, 2023, Eldoret police officers revealed that the LGBTQ activist Edwin Chiloba had his eyes gouged out, with preliminary police reports indicating that he died from strangulation.

“Apart from the eyes being gouged out, there were no physical injuries on the body, suggesting that the victim might have died out of choking,” explained Peter Kimulwa, Uasin Gishu County Directorate of Criminal Investigations officer.

Wednesday, January 11, 2023, Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor after contacting an autopsy on Chiloba's body, noted that the activist was suffocated to death by the stuffing of socks and jeans cloth into his mouth. 

"We did not find any injuries in his body and we are still investigating if he was given drugs so that he could not resist his abductors. "The eyes were still there but the body had begun decomposing," Oduor added. 

Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor (centre) flanked by officials from the DCI and Government Chemist. His autopsy report regarding Ken Walibora released on April 18, 2020, has raised questions.
Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor (Centre) flanked by officials from the DCI and Government Chemist. His autopsy report regarding Ken Walibora released on April 18, 2020, has raised questions.
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2. Chiloba's LGBTQ tag

Whereas Chiloba was known to some people as a celebrated model and LGBTQ activist, Kenyans later learned that he was a committed Christian.

While addressing the press, the family of LGBTQ rights activist Edwin Kiprotich Kipruto alias Chiloba refuted the claims that their kin was a member of the Gay Society of Kenya.

According to his family, Chiloba was described as a pastor and a dedicated Christian who inspired many young people to love the Lord. 

“We are perturbed with what we are seeing on social media that our son was involved in ungodly practices. What we know is that he was a servant of God and even locals in our village knew him as a pastor,” Gaudencia Tanui, a cousin to Chiloba recounted.

Family members of LGBTQ activist, Edwin Chiloba on Saturday January, 7, 2023
Family members of LGBTQ activist, Edwin Chiloba on Saturday January 7, 2023
Daily Nation

3. Mismatch in Statements 

While asking Eldoret court to grant them more time to conclude investigations in the murder of Chiloba, detectives claimed that the five suspects who were arraigned were all linked to the murder and disposal of the body of LGBTQ activist.

In fact, one of the suspects reportedly admitted to taking part in the heinous crime that left many people shocked. 

However, one of the prime suspects in the murder probe on Tuesday, January 10, claimed that his arrest was a disguise by police officers to cover up the truth.

The suspect told Senior Resident Magistrate Richard Odenyo that the three main accused, Jackton Odhiambo, and two other suspects were unfamiliar to him.

"All these people being held with me as suspects are strangers that I have never met. Detaining me for three weeks will subject my young family to a lot of suffering and anguish,” he stated.  

Police officers were granted 21 days to complete the investigations. 

A collage image of Edwin Chiloba, the activist (left)  with his adoptive parents at a past event (right).
A collage image of Edwin Chiloba, the activist (left) with his adoptive parents at a past event (right).
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Donna Pfaltzgraff
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