The court in the western city of Eldoret ruled that the prosecution had proved that Jacktone Odhiambo, who was living with Chiloba, had killed him.<\/p>\n
Chiloba’s body had been found dumped on the roadside in Eldoret, where he was a university student.<\/p>\n
The murder sparked global condemnation, with human rights groups saying it was because of his sexuality.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Kenya is a relatively conservative society and gay sex is illegal, punishable by up to 14 years in prison, although it is not clear whether there has been any convictions.<\/p>\n
However the Supreme Court last year affirmed a ruling allowing LGBT people the right to associate and register a rights organisation.<\/p>\n
Judge Reuben Nyakundi ruled that the evidence, which included DNA tests, had linked the accused to the murder.<\/p>\n
The evidence also indicated that the suspect had sexually assaulted Chiloba before killing him.<\/p>\n
The judge said the prosecution had proved the suspect\u2019s deliberate intention and deep hatred against the deceased.<\/p>\n
“He was a young man whom you strangled until he lost his life at the peak of his life. You were close friends, and you should have protected his life,” said the judge.<\/p>\n
The court did not make any finding about the motive for the killing.<\/p>\n
Chiloba\u2019s body was found in early January last year with socks stuffed into his mouth and a piece of denim from jeans tied around his face.<\/p>\n
A post-mortem indicated that he had died from lack of oxygen, caused by smothering.<\/p>\n
Odhiambo, who was believed to have been in a relationship with the deceased, was accused of killing Chiloba between 31 December 2022 and 3 January 2023. He had denied the charges.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday, the prosecution said in a post on X that it had presented evidence from 23 witnesses “detailing the events leading to Chiloba\u2019s death and proving beyond reasonable doubt that [Odhiambo] intentionally caused the unlawful death”.<\/p>\n
The National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission said the “landmark ruling” was a “significant step toward justice for Edwin and all LGBTQ residents of Kenya, Africa and beyond”.<\/p>\n
Odhiambo is due to be sentenced on 16 December.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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