Severe Sentence in Murder Case of Kenyan LGBTQ Activist

A court in Kenya has sentenced a man to 50 years in prison after he was found guilty of murdering gay rights activist Edwin Kiptoo. The case drew nationwide attention when Kiptoo's body was discovered in a metal box in Eldoret in early 2023. At the center of the tragedy is Jacktone Odhiambo, who lived with the victim and, according to police, may have been in a relationship with him. He was found guilty earlier this month. Odhiambo's lawyer, Sammy Mathai, commented on Monday evening that he had not yet received instructions to appeal. The convict initially pleaded his innocence when he was brought to trial in February 2023. In Kenya, a country where homosexuality is heavily stigmatized and same-sex relationships are punishable by up to 14 years in prison, this case highlights the ongoing societal tensions.