A Kenyan man has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for the 2023 murder of LGBTQ rights activist Edwin Kiptoo. The body of Kiptoo, whose killing sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ community in the conservative nation, was discovered in a metal box in Eldoret, western Kenya.
Jacktone Odhiambo, Kiptoo’s housemate and believed to have been in a romantic relationship with him, was found guilty of murder earlier this month. His lawyer, Sammy Mathai, confirmed the sentencing on Monday, stating there had been no instructions to appeal the court’s decision.
Odhiambo had denied the charges when initially arraigned in early February 2023. The case has drawn further attention to Kenya’s stance on LGBTQ issues, as homosexuality remains illegal in the country, punishable by up to 14 years in prison, though the law is seldom enforced.
