The US government has offered to assist Kenyan authorities with their investigations into the killing of LGBTQ+ activist Edwin Chiloba.
US State Department spokesperson Ned Price, who is openly gay, called for thorough and transparent investigations into Chiloba’s killing.
“We urge and expect the Kenyans to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into his death,” Price told the Washington Blade on Monday, January 9, 2023, during his daily press briefing.
Price further said that the US was ready to assist Kenya in investigating Chiloba’s murder should the need arise.
“And of course, if there’s anything we can do to assist, we stand ready to do that,” Price added.
The US State Department spokesperson also sent his condolences to Chiloba’s family, saying that there are so many LGBTQ members who benefited from the deceased’s leadership.
“We sent his condolences to his family, to his loved ones but also to the LGBTQI+ community in Kenya during their time of mourning. There are so many in that community in Kenya who benefitted from his leadership, from his visibility, from his support,” Price said.
Prince strongly condemned the violence against LGBTQ members saying that it stems from possible bias or stigma.
“Violence against LGBTQI+ persons or anyone, of course, is unacceptable, but when violence stems from possible bias or stigma, it indirectly harms all members of the targeted community. The ultimate act of intolerance has no place in free and open societies,” he said.
Suspects
Prince’s sentiments came before a court in Eldoret allowed the police to detain five suspects linked to Chiloba’s murder.
Eldoret Senior Principal Magistrate Richard Odenyo on Monday granted detectives 21 days to detain the five suspects.
The five suspects are; Jacktone Odhiambo, Dennis Litali and three minors.
Investigators are yet to recover Chiloba’s phone, whose data could aid in the arrest of more suspects. The deceased had his eyes gouged out, with preliminary investigations indicating that he died of strangulation.
