Harrowing Details Emerge in LGBTQ Activist’s Torture Death Case, Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor Testifies
Oduor described the condition of Edwin Kiptoo’s body during the postmortem, noting decomposition and a putrid odor.
Justice Reuben Nyakundi examines the metal box in which Chiloba's body was found/By James Gitaka
Harrowing details have emerged surrounding the tragic demise of LGBTQ rights advocate Edwin Kiprotich Kiptoo, known as Chiloba. The court learned on Tuesday of the torment inflicted upon Kiptoo before his lifeless body was discovered within a metallic container discarded along the Kipkenyo-Kaptinga road in Uasin Gishu County.
Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor, presenting findings from Kiptoo’s autopsy, revealed a grim scene. “After I conducted a postmortem on the body of the deceased, I formed the opinion that the cause of death was asphyxia-lack of oxygen,” stated Oduor. He detailed the discovery of three socks forcibly inserted into Kiptoo’s mouth, with a pair of jeans trousers tightly bound around his nose and mouth, depriving him of vital oxygen.
The 26-year-old final year student, pursuing a degree in Apparel Fashion and Design at the University of Eldoret, met a brutal end, as per Oduor’s testimony in court. The accused, Jackkton Odhiambo, also known as Lizer, currently held at Eldoret GK Remand, stands as the prime suspect in the heinous killing.
Oduor described the condition of Kiptoo’s body during the postmortem, noting decomposition and a putrid odor. “The slain University of Eldoret student had three socks stuffed inside his mouth and the left leg of jeans trousers tightly tied around his mouth and nose to prevent him from breathing,” he explained. Additionally, evidence of bruising on Kiptoo’s lips and tongue indicated further violence.
Notably, the pathologist clarified that Kiptoo lacked any defensive wounds, suggesting a defenseless struggle against his assailants. Further testimony came from Corporal Mercy Kathure, who recounted the discovery of Kiptoo’s body within the metallic box dumped alongside the road on January 3, 2023.
Kathure described the initial investigation, including the retrieval of the unidentified body and subsequent transportation to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary. It was through social media that Kathure later learned of the victim’s identity as a prominent LGBTQ activist.
The arrest of Odhiambo, last seen with Kiptoo at a local club and residing with him, marked a significant development in the case. Kathure highlighted the apprehension of a taxi driver, linked to the transportation of the metallic box, along with two minors involved in the incident. Odhiambo, represented by lawyer Maina Maathai, denies the allegations, maintaining his innocence in the death of Kiptoo, his purported lover.
The court proceedings adjourned, with the case set to resume on May 7, 2024, as the pursuit of justice continues for the slain activist
About Author
