Jackton Odhiambo Sentenced to 50 Years for Murder of Activist Edwin Chiloba
CAUDENCIA TANUI – FAMILY SPOKESPERSON
“If it were possible, I would have asked for the death sentence. Let him suffer the way my brother did. And if the Kenyan Constitution cannot allow it, then let him be given a life sentence.”
Jackton Odhiambo, the man convicted for the brutal murder of Edwin Kiptoo, popularly known as ‘Chiloba,’ was on Monday sentenced to 50 years in prison by the High Court in Eldoret.
While delivering the ruling, Justice Reuben Nyakundi described the relationship between Jackton and Chiloba as one of intimacy and partnership, highlighting their closeness. However, the judge also called for clarity on the implementation of the death penalty in Kenya, a sentence that remains in legal limbo despite being on the books.
Emotions ran high in the courtroom during the sentencing, as family members and supporters of the late Chiloba expressed their anguish. One particularly moving moment came when Caudencia Tanui, a cousin of the deceased and the family’s spokesperson, broke down while addressing the court.
CAUDENCIA TANUI – FAMILY SPOKESPERSON
“If it were possible, I would have asked for the death sentence. Let him suffer the way my brother did. And if the Kenyan Constitution cannot allow it, then let him be given a life sentence.”
THE SENTENCE
After hearing the emotional plea, Justice Nyakundi delivered the verdict, sentencing Odhiambo to 50 years in prison. The judge acknowledged the legal complexities surrounding sentencing, particularly the lack of clarity on life imprisonment versus the death penalty in Kenya.
REUBEN NYAKUNDI, JUDGE – HIGH COURT
“What is the ideal ground between the death penalty and life imprisonment? We are still awaiting clarity from the apex court of the land on this matter. In your case, Jackton, the middle ground is to serve a custodial sentence of 50 years, taking into account the time you have already spent in remand custody.”
THE CASE
Evidence presented by the prosecution confirmed that Chiloba’s death was a homicide, resulting from a relationship that had turned sour. Post-mortem reports and witness testimonies revealed that Jackton and Chiloba shared an intimate and close partnership, with the judge elaborating on the nature of their bond.
REUBEN NYAKUNDI, JUDGE – HIGH COURT
“The accused, according to the prosecution, at one point enjoyed a cordial and intimate relationship with the deceased. They partnered in many aspects of life, but, as is often the case, such relationships can also turn tumultuous. While some may describe their bond as morally illicit, the evidence clearly shows that their intimacy played a role in the events that led to the murder.”
CALL FOR LEGAL REFORM
Justice Nyakundi also used the sentencing to call for an urgent review of Kenya’s stance on the death penalty and life imprisonment. He argued that such clarity would serve as a deterrent to the rising cases of homicide and other violent crimes in the country.
REUBEN NYAKUNDI, JUDGE – HIGH COURT
“Given the increasing cases of murder, femicide, and public outcry, it is time for the judiciary and executive to align on the regime of sentencing. The public deserves clear, effective measures to curb this upsurge.”
Jackton Odhiambo was arrested in January 2023, days after Chiloba’s decomposing body was discovered stuffed in a metallic box and abandoned in Kipkenyo, on the outskirts of Eldoret. The murder, committed on New Year’s Eve, sent shockwaves across Kenya, particularly among LGBTQ+ and human rights advocates, who mourned the loss of Chiloba—a fashion designer and activist passionate about equality and inclusion.
The sentencing has provided some closure to Chiloba’s family and friends.
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