Global condemnation as housemate found guilty of killing Kenyan LGBT campaigner and fashion designer

In relation to a brutal murder nearly a couple of years ago, a Kenyan court has convicted photographer Jacktone Odhiambo of killing his housemate, LGBT activist and fashion designer Edin Kiprotich Kipruto, also popularly called Edin Chiloba.

Chiloba’s body had been found dumped in a metal box in Eldoret. The murder triggered global condemnation. Human rights groups stressed that the brutal incident happened because of the campaigner’s sexuality.

Understanding LGBT rights in Kenya

Kenya is considered a conservative society. Gay sex is illegal in the country – punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment. But last year, the Supreme Court affirmed a ruling letting LGBT people have the right to associate and register a rights organisation.

Socks had been found stuffed into Chiloba’s mouth and a piece of denim from jeans tied around his face. The post-mortem examination indicated that the person had died because of a lack of oxygen, caused by smothering.