The main suspect in the gruesome murder of Eldoret-based fashionista and LGBTQ activist Edwin Kiprotich Kiptoo famously known as Chiloba, has pleaded not guilty.
While appearing before the Eldoret high court judge Reuben Nyakundi, Odhiambo denied murdering Chiloba between December 31st 2022 and January 3rd, 2023, in the Chebisasa area of Moiben Uasin Gishu County. On January 6th 2023, Police were tipped off by a motorcycle driver who reported seeing a box being dumped by a car with no license plates. The metal trunk was stuffed with a body described as wearing women’s clothing by the roadside near Eldoret in Uasin Gishu. The body was later transported to Moi Teaching and referral hospital and identified as Chiloba’s.
Chiloba had been reported as missing earlier, having last been seen on New Year’s Day when he returned home with friends in the early morning. Police believe that is the day he was killed, as neighbors reported having heard “commotion and cries which subsided after a short while.”
Also read :Sleepless Nights in Kisumu as Bedbugs, Rats Take Charge
Jackton Odhiambo is a 24-year-old photographer described as a “longtime friend” to the slain model. He was arrested in connection with Chiloba’s murder. The two shared a close relationship and had been visiting him from Nairobi on the night believed to be of the murder. On January 8, four more people were arrested in line with the murder, including three minors, were released after evidence showed they had no link to the killing of Chiloba.
While responding to the charges, Odhiambo told the court, “I never murdered him,”. He is represented by Lawyer Mathai, while Mitullah Gilbert is presenting Maina Chiloba’s family. A week ago, the court ordered Odhiambo to undergo a mental evaluation at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital before entering a plea on Wednesday.
Deputy Registrar Rosemary Onkoba had directed that Odhiambo be held at the Eldoret GK Prison. This is after lower courts found Odhiambo had a case to answer after investigations linked him to the brutal murder of the fashion model. The next hearing is set for February 16th.
