JACKTON ODHIAMBO CHARGED WITH MURDER DATE 31
Jackton Odhiambo, the prime suspect in the death of LGBTQ activist and fashion model Edwin Kipruto alias Chiloba, was Wednesday charged with murder.
Appearing before Justice Reuben Nyakundi at the High Court in Eldoret, Odhiambo was accused of murdering Chiloba between December 31st, 2022 and January 3rd, 2023 in the Chebisaas area of Moiben, Uasin Gishu county/
The accused denied the charge, saying: “I never murdered him.”
The Prosecution objected to Odhiambo’s release on bond pending a pre-trial report to establish whether he qualifies to be released on bond.
“The republic is opposed to the release of the accused on bond. We are yet to compile a pre-bail report to ascertain whether he can be released on bond,” said Mike Mogun, State Counsel.
Defense counsel Mathai Maina opposed the application to deny his client’s bond saying it was too early to object to bond release before the defense makes an application.
Justice Nyakundi directed the prosecution to prepare a pre-trial report and serve the defense with all required documents ahead of the pre-bail report.
The case will be heard on February 16th to consider the supply of all documents to the parties involved before the pre-trial conference.
During the hearing, Jacktone Odhiambo the main suspect behind the murder, requested that he be released on bail so that he goes back to feed his family a request the judge quashed.
“I request to be released on bond so that I can continue with my work to support my family,” he said.
The next hearing has been set for January 31.
Senior Principal Magistrate Richard Odenyo ruled in favour of Eldoret South Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Chief Stephen Mumba who had made an application seeking to hold the suspects for 21 days until investigations were completed.
Senior Principal Magistrate Richard Odenyo ruled in favour of Eldoret South Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Chief Stephen Mumba who had made an application seeking to hold the suspects for 21 days until investigations were completed.
The detention period will allow for the body of Chiloba to undergo post-mortem examination and give detectives time to conduct a forensic analysis on the vehicle used to dump the body.
The detention period will allow for the body of Chiloba to undergo post-mortem examination and give detectives time to conduct a forensic analysis on the vehicle used to dump the body.
Chiloba’s body was found in a metal box on Kipenyo-Katinga Road in Uasin Gishu County and was discovered by boda boda riders, who saw a vehicle that had its license plate covered dumping the box on the roadside.
Jactone who confessed to killing the activist was arrested barely a week after the lifeless body of Chiloba was found dumped along the Kipenyo-Katinga Road in Uasin Gishu County.
According to reports, the duo lives as husband and wife until when Chiloba tried to end the relationship. The caretaker of the building rented by the deceased confirmed seeing the Prime suspect in possession of a metallic resembling the one found after the murder.
- LGBTQ activist Edwin Chiloba killed, body dumped in Eldoret
- One suspect arrested over the brutal murder of Edwin Chiloba
- Jackton Odhiambo confesses to Killing Edwin Chiloba due to an affair
- Suspects in Chiloba’s murder to remain in custody for 21 days
The owner of the house also confirmed to have received a phone call from Jacton through Edwin Chiloba’s phone confirming their exit from the building.
Upon reaching the house, a foul smell could be felt which the suspect claimed to have been from a dead rat still hiding in the house.