Human Rights Groups Condemn Murder of Kenya Gay Activist Edwin Chiloba

Human rights groups in Kenya have condemned the killing of renowned gay activist Edwin Chiloba.

In a statement on Friday, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) termed his murder as “an act of homophobic violence.”

“We are saddened by the gruesome murder and death of Edwin Chiloba - a model, designer & queer activist. We stand strong and in complete solidarity with the LGBTQ community & we join in their mourning,” KHRC Executive Director Davis Malombe said.

Malombe expressed concerns over the increasing reports of threats, assault and killings of persons who identify as LGBT, adding that the Constitution guarantees the right to life, dignity and freedom for all regardless of gender or sex.

“In April 2022, Sheila Lumumba, a LGBTQ+ Kenya was targeted & brutally killed,” he added.

He called on the government to reinforce legal protections against non-discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

“We demand that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations take swift and due action in investigating this murder, booking and prosecuting the perpetrators,” said Malombe

The International Commission of Jurists also condemned Chiloba’s murder and urged authorities to move with speed and bring his killers to book.

ICJ described his death as a tragedy and an affront to human dignity and a violation of the right to life.

Chiloba’s body was found stuffed inside a metallic box that was dumped along Kipkenyo-Kaptinga Road in Uasin Gishu County early this week.

The remains were discovered after boda boda operators plying the route reported seeing a suspicious-looking vehicle that dumped the metal box along the road. 

Eyewitnesses said the vehicle's license plates had been concealed.

When police arrived at the scene, they opened the box only to discover a man’s lifeless and decomposing body, which was clad in women's clothing.

The body has since been moved to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital pending postmortem to establish the cause of his death.