21 November 2023

• Chiloba's body had no physical injuries, suggesting that he choked to death.

• The deceased's eyes were gouged out.

When the body of gay model Edwin Chiloba was discovered in a box, many assumed it was a ritual killing. He was alleged to have been killed by his male friend and alleged lover.

Chiloba was reportedly strangled to death on the night of January 1, 2023, and his body was found stashed in a metal box dumped in Kapsiret on January 3.

Obadia Ochieng', the man who made the coffin of the slain fashionista and LGBTQ activist Edwin Kiptoo, also known as Chiloba, has revealed what transpired.

The businessman testified that Jackton Odhiambo, the main suspect in Chiloba's murder visited his shop on January 3 and placed an order for a huge coffin.

"He came and said he needed size 24, the largest one. As I struggled to take it out, he told me he was going to get a car before we could even deliberate on the price," said Ochieng during his testifying at an Eldoret court

Jackton is alleged to have paid Ksh 7500 for the coffin,

"The boot refused to open several times; when he managed, I assisted him in placing it, and he paid KSh7500 thereafter," he added.

The taxi driver, whose Toyota Fielder was used, was the second witness to testify against the gruesome murder.

Jackton arouses the taxi man's suspicion after paying him using the late Chiloba's phone

"A day after we spoke, he sent me KSh 3,500 through the same number we were in communication with; the message came with Edwin Kiptoo's name.

I asked if he had changed his name, but he told me he registered the SIM card using his friend's ID number," recounted Were.

Unknown to the driver his car had been used to transport Chiloba's body

"Upon returning the car, it was dirty and had a strong smell. When I inquired about what he had transported, he explained that he had been carrying fish, which had left the car in a messy state and emitting a strong odor."

Chiloba's boyfriend, Odhiambo, confessed on January 7 that he killed him.

The body of Chiloba was found by a boda boda operator, who became suspicious and made a report to the area chief.

Chiloba's body had no outward physical injuries, suggesting that he choked to death. The deceased's eyes were gouged out.