EDWIN CHILOBA DID NOT DESERVE SUCH A BRUTAL DEATH

We, human rights defenders, civil society organizations and advocates for the absolute right to life, dignity, non-discrimination, condemn the gruesome senseless murder of high-flying fashion model and rights defender Edwin Kiprotich Kiptoo, popularly known as Edwin Chiloba.

Edwin who hails from Uasin Gishu County was a human rights advocate who working on mainstreaming the dire situation of LGBTQ+ community.

From reports, Edwin’s body was discovered lifeless and in a metal trunk by the roadside in Kapseret area on 5 January 2023.

The murder has caused a public uproar, but this is not enough. We decry that the murder of Edwin is one too many lives lost considering a string of murders of members of the sexual minority community.

We are concerned that the documented cases of sexual minority victims of violent crimes are consistently bulging as dust and justice at the mention of the names of Sheila Lumumba, Erica Chandra, Joash Mosoti is yet to settle.

As we applaud action by relevant authorities to arrest persons of interest, we call for speedy investigations and arraignment of suspects. We are concerned that the hate crime and violations on human rights defenders rarely receive appropriate and timely intervention, which has nurtured a culture of impunity.

We once again reiterate that the right to life is sacrosanct and is protected by our constitution and international treaties. Perpetrators must be arrested and tried in a court of law to ensure justice is served.