The defense team in the murder trial of LGBTQ activist Edwin Kiprotich, also known as Chiloba, has officially concluded its case, with the prime suspect, Jacktone Odhiambo, making solid efforts to clear his name in connection to the tragic 2023 killing.
Odhiambo, a 25-year-old freelance photographer, stands accused of killing Chiloba, who was a final-year student pursuing a bachelor's degree in Apparel Fashion and Design at the University of Eldoret (UoE).
The murder allegedly took place between December 31, 2022, and January 3, 2023, at Noble Breeze Apartment in the Chebisaas area of Uasin Gishu County.
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Chiloba's body was discovered on January 3, 2023, inside a metallic box along Kipkenyo-Kaptinga Road, approximately 10 kilometers from Eldoret town.
Throughout the year-long trial at the Eldoret High Court, the prosecution presented 22 key witnesses, including government pathologist Johansen Oduor.
Notably, Polycarp Kweyu, a principal chemist from the Kisumu Government Chemist, testified that DNA evidence on a bed cover matched Odhiambo’s seminal fluids.
Government analyst Jane Waya conducted a toxicological analysis of Chiloba’s remains and reported no chemical substances were detected in the samples.
Justice Nyakundi, who presides over the case, has instructed the prosecution and the victim's legal team to submit their final written arguments within two weeks. A verdict is expected to be delivered on November 8, 2024.