US Calls for a Thorough Probe into Kenyan Gay Activist Chiloba’s Killing
The US government has called for a thorough and speedy probe into the brutal murder of Kenyan gay activist Edwin Kiprotich Kipruto, alias Chiloba.
US Department of State Spokesperson Ned Price expressed his country’s willingness to help Kenya investigate the 25-year-old’s killing.
“We urge and expect the Kenyans to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into his death. And of course, if there’s anything we can do to assist, we stand ready to do that,” Price said as quoted by the Washington Blade.
Price, who is openly gay, further said that violence against members of the LGBTQ community should not be tolerated by any free and open society across the world.
“Violence against LGBTQI+ persons — or anyone, of course — is unacceptable, but when violence stems from possible bias or stigma, it indirectly harms all members of the targeted community. The ultimate act of intolerance has no place in free and open societies,” he added.
The official further noted that Chiloba's role in advancing the interests of the LGBTQ community will be missed.
“There are so many in that community in Kenya who benefitted from his leadership, from his visibility, from his support,” he noted.
Chiloba’s mutilated body was found stuffed in a metal box and dumped on a roadside in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County last Wednesday.
On Monday, five suspects including three minors were arraigned at Eldoret law courts in connection with the murder of the 25-year-old University of Eldoret student. The court granted the prosecution’s request to detain them for 21 more days to pave the way for investigations.
Jackton Odhiambo, a Nairobi-based freelance photographer who is alleged to have been Chiloba's boyfriend, is being treated as the prime suspect in his killing.
Chiloba’s family refuted claims that their kin was gay, describing him as a pastor and a dedicated Christian.
“We are perturbed with what we are seeing on social media that our son was involved in ungodly practices. What we know is that he was a servant of God and even locals in our village knew him as a pastor,” Gaudencia Tanui, a cousin to Chiloba said.