DNA Evidence Presented in Court Links Murdered LGBTQ Activist Edwin Chiloba and Suspect Jacktone Odhiambo
The High Court in Eldoret was informed on Wednesday that the DNA profile obtained from anal swabs and stains on the clothing and bedsheets of murdered LGBTQ activist Edwin Kiptoo, also known as Chiloba, was a mix of his blood and that of the main suspect, Jacktone Odhiambo.
Principal Government Chemist Polycap Kweyu told the court that spermatozoa were found in stains from the anal swab and on Chiloba’s underwear and red trousers.
He was presenting evidence to Justice Reuben Nyakundi regarding samples collected from the deceased and the suspected murderer.
Mr. Kweyu noted that the male DNA profiles from the bed cover matched the seminal fluids taken from Mr. Odhiambo.
The Government Chemist was assigned to determine the genetic relation of two sets of samples collected from Mr. Chiloba and Mr. Odhiambo.
He stated that he received the initial batch of samples in January 2023, including anal swabs from Mr. Chiloba’s body, fingernail clippings, underwear, socks stuffed in his mouth, and bedsheets from the location where the body was discovered.
Later in January, 27 more items were received from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Eldoret, including samples from Mr. Odhiambo.
During Wednesday’s hearing, several items such as blood-stained clothes, bedsheets, blood samples, and swabs from Mr. Chiloba’s body were shown in court before Mr. Odhiambo’s lawyer, Mathai Maina, began questioning the Government Chemist.
Justice Nyakundi ordered that the exhibits be displayed outside the courtroom due to Mr. Kweyu’s request.
“Some of the items are not in good condition and have a foul smell. I advise that they be out of the courtroom,” said Mr. Kweyu.
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Mr. Odhiambo denied the murder of Mr. Chiloba, a former University of Eldoret Apparel Fashion and Design student, who was reported to have been his lover.
The murder took place between December 31, 2022, and January 3, 2023, at Noble Breeze apartments in the Chebisaas area of Moiben Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County.
The prosecution has not yet concluded its case, which has received international attention.
In January 2023, the US government offered assistance in investigating the matter.
United States Department of State spokesman Ned Price stated that President Joe Biden’s administration would provide any necessary help to ensure justice.
Mr. Price criticized the murder, calling it an act of extreme intolerance, and urged law enforcement to promptly arrest the suspects.
“Intolerance has no place in free and open societies. We emphasized last week the need for Kenyans to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into his death. If we can assist in any way, we are ready to do so,” he added.
Mr. Chiloba’s dismembered body was found in a metal box in Kipkenyo, Eldoret, on January 4, 2023. Witnesses saw unidentified assailants leave the metal box by the roadside before fleeing.
The case hearing will resume on June 3
DNA Evidence Presented in Court Links Murdered LGBTQ Activist Edwin Chiloba and Suspect Jacktone Odhiambo
