US gov't to help probe murder of LGBTQ activist Edwin Chiloba

During a press briefing on Tuesday, United States Department of State spokesman Ned Price affirmed that the President Joe Biden-led administration will offer any assistance needed to ensure justice is delivered.

Spokesman Price further condemned the murder, labelling 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.

Mr Price went on to censure 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 discovered stuffed in a metallic box in Kipkenyo, Eldoret, on Wednesday, January, 4, as eyewitnesses reported seeing unknown assailants drop off the metallic box by the roadside before speeding off.

Meanwhile, five suspects, three being minors, were arraigned at the Eldoret Law Courts on Monday where the prosecution requested they be detained for 21 more days to pave the way for investigations.

Police officers in Eldoret arrested the three on Sunday while Jackton Odhiambo, who is said to be Chiloba's boyfriend, was arrested on Friday. Odhiambo is being treated as the main suspect.

The case is set to be heard on January 31, 2023.