The United States State Department has vowed to help investigate the brutal killing of fashion designer and LGBTQ rights activist Edwin Kiprotich Kiptoo alias Edwin Chiloba.
United States Department of State spokesman Ned Price said President Joe Biden-led administration will offer any assistance needed to ensure justice is delivered.
Price condemned the murder, labeling it as an ultimate act of intolerance and urged the law enforcement agencies to swiftly bring the suspects to book.
“Ultimately the ultimate act of intolerance has no place in free and open societies. We made the point last week that we urge and expect the Kenyans to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into his death. And of course, if there’s anything we can do to assist, we stand ready to do that,” he said.
Price censured violence against anyone including members of the LGBTQ community noting that Chiloba’s demise has affected many who benefitted from his leadership.
“There were so many in that community in Kenya who benefited from his leadership, from his visibility, from his support. Violence against LGBTQI+ persons or anyone, of course, is unacceptable,” said Price.
“We’ve sent our condolences to his family, to his loved ones, but also to the LGBTQI+ community in Kenya during their time of mourning.”
Chiloba’s body was found in a metal box in Eldoret, on Wednesday, January, 4, as eyewitnesses reported seeing unknown assailants drop off the metallic box by the roadside before speeding off.
Five suspects are in custody over the incident.
Police arrested the suspects including Jackton Odhiambo, who is said to be Chiloba’s boyfriend.
The case is set to be heard on January 31, 2023.
Chiloba died out of smothering, an autopsy revealed Wednesday.
He had blockage of the mouth and the nose which caused him to lack oxygen.
Chief government pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor said he died of smothering which is the shortage of oxygen.
Dr. Oduor said the body was decomposed but during the exercise, they discovered pieces of clothes and socks stuffed in the mouth.
