Jacktone Odhiambo,prime suspect in the murder of LGBTQ activist Chiloba charged

Jacktone Odhiambo, the prime suspect in the killing of LGBT activist
Edwin Kipruto alias Chiloba was today formally charged for murder in
Eldoret High Court.

Odhiambo, who looked composed throughout the court session while in
the dock was charged before Justice Reuben Nyakundi with the murder
of the slain fashion designer.

He denied committing the criminal act on the night of December 31,
2022 and 2023 pliz apartment in the outskirts of Eldoret town, Uasin
Gishu County.

The accused was represented by lawyer Maina Mathai while the victim’s
family was represented by lawyer Gilbert Mitullah. The office of
Public Prosecution was led by Mark Migun.

Odhiambo who has been detained in Eldoret GK remand prison since he
was arrested last month is believed to have been Chiloba’s lover.

The deceased’s body was found dumped January 4 stuffed in a metal box
that had been dumped at Kipkenyo area near the Southern bypass in the
outskirts of Eldoret town.

Three  of the suspects linked to Chiloba’s killing have since been
released and the court ordered them to be reporting to Langas police
station every month for a period of three months.

Earlier on, the suspect through his lawyer asked the Judge to release
his ATM cards and mobile phone arguing that they are not part of the
murder case.

“Your honor, I plead that the suspect’s ATM cards and mobile phone
which were seized from him when he was arrested in connection with the
murder of the deceased be given back to him since they are not related
in this matter,” argued Mathai.

But the State Counsel sprung to his feet and objected to the request,
saying the documents cannot be given to him since they form part and
parcel of the exhibit that will be relied upon at the trial of the
murder suspect.

“We intend to use them as exhibits during the murder trial and
therefore we cannot release them to the accused,” replied Mogun.

The Judge directed that the suspect be held at the Eldoret GK remand
prison for another 7 days ahead of his appearance in court for
pre-trial conference.

He asked the State counsel to supply the accused and his lawyer with
committal documents ahead of the trial of the murder case.

“I direct that you supply the accused person with committal bundles so
that he can go through them to understand the murder case that he  is
facing before this court,” ruled Justice Nyakundi.