DCI, Media Issued Demands On Murder Of Edwin Chiloba

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to take swift action against the perpetrators behind the brutal killing of LGBTQ activist and model Edwin Chiloba.

In a statement by its Executive Director, Davis Malombe dated Friday, January 6, the rights organization urged the DCI to expedite investigations into the heinous murder and the prosecution of those involved in the murder.

"We, therefore, demand that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations take swift and due action in investigating this murder, booking and prosecuting the perpetrators.

KHRC Executive Director, Davis Malombe. /FILE

"We also call on activists, the media and members of the public to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and call out the murder for what it is, a hate crime," Malombe stated in part.

KHRC also called upon the public and media houses to desist from insensitive and indignified reporting and circulation of images or videos that are likely to re-traumatize and distress Chiloba's family and community.

It condemned the murder of Chiloba, who was a model, designer and Queer activist, and stood in solidarity with the LGBTQ community in mourning him. 

"The killing is reprehensible and unjust. This is a frightening crime but it is becoming common in Kenya with the recent tide in reports of threats, assault and killings of LGBTQ+ persons fueled by a culture of homophobia.

"The constitution guarantees a right to life, dignity and freedom of expression for all, regardless of gender, sex and any other status," the statement added.

The Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) also lamented the killing of Chiloba whom it described as a “celebrated fashionista,” and asked authorities to move with speed, probe the execution and apprehend its masterminds, authorities that include the Inspector General (IG) of Police, the National Police Service (NPS) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

Police had positively identified Chiloba after discovering his lifeless body stuffed in a metallic box along the Kipenyo-Katinga Road in Uasin Gishu County.

Bodaboda riders recounted seeing a vehicle with a concealed registration number dump the box along the road, a matter which prompted them to alert the police. When police opened the box, they found Chiloba's decomposing body dressed in a woman's clothes.

Uasin Gishu head of DCI Peter Kimulwo stated that police in Eldoret are working to properly identify the body of Chiloba which is lying at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital morgue.

"So far we are waiting for family members to come out so that they identify the body," Kimulwo said.

He added that DCIO officers were following crucial leads that may lead to some arrests. Police also identified the house where the deceased lived but it was not clear how he met his death.

Chiloba's death sparked tributes from celebrities such as Makena Njeri, Anita Nderu, Chiki Kuruka and Michelle Ntalami who all condemned the brutal murder.

Kileleshwa MCA urged President William Ruto to issue a strong statement against the murder.

Edwin Chiloba during Michelle Ntalami's birthday party on June 27, 2022. /INSTAGRAM.MICHELLE NTALAMI