By Reporter
Jacktone Odhiambo, the prime suspect in the killing of LGBT activist Edwin Kipruto alias Chiloba was today formally charged for murder in Eldoret High Court.
Odhiambo, who looked composed throughout the court session while in the dock, was charged before Justice Reuben Nyakundi with the murder of the slain fashion designer.
He denied committing the criminal act on the night of December 31, 2022 and 2023 pliz apartment in the outskirt of Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu County.
The accused was represented by lawyer Maina Mathai while the victim’s family was represented by lawyer Gilbert Mitullah. The office of Public Prosecution was led by Mark Migun.
Odhiambo who has been detained in Eldoret GK remand prison since he was arrested last month is believed to have been Chiloba’s lover.
The deceased’s body was found stuffed in a metal box on January 4, and dumped at Kipkenyo area near the Southern bypass in the outskirts of Eldoret town.
Three of the suspects linked to Chiloba’s killing have since been released. They court, however, ordered them to be reporting to Langas police station every month for three months.
Earlier on, the suspect through his lawyer asked the Judge to release his ATM cards and mobile phone arguing that they are not part of the murder case.
“Your honor, I plead that the suspect’s ATM cards and mobile phone which were seized from him when he was arrested in connection with the murder of the deceased be given back to him since they are not related in this matter,” argued Mathai.
But the State Counsel sprung to his feet and objected to the request, saying the documents cannot be given to him since they form part and parcel of the exhibit that will be relied upon at the trial of the murder suspect.
“We intend to use them as exhibits during the murder trial and therefore we cannot release them to the accused,” replied Mogun.
The Judge directed that the suspect be held at the Eldoret GK remand prison for another 7 days ahead of his appearance in court for pre-trial conference.
He asked the State counsel to supply the accused and his lawyer with committal documents ahead of the trial of the murder case.
“I direct that you supply the accused person with committal bundles so that he can go through them to understand the murder case that he is facing before this court,” ruled Justice Nyakundi.