The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has issued a statement condemning the brutal murder of Edwin Chiloba, an LGBTIQ activist and model, in Kapseret, Uasin Gishu county.
Chiloba was attacked and left for dead on a village street, where he was later discovered by police, according to the KHRC.
The commission has demanded that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) investigate the murder and bring the perpetrators to justice as soon as possible.
The KHRC also called attention to the growing trend of homophobic violence in Kenya, urging activists, the media, and members of the public to stand in solidarity with the LGBTIQ community and call the murder a hate crime.
“The killing is reprehensible and unjust. This is a frightening crime but it is becoming common in Kenya with the recent tide in reports of threats, assault and killings of LGBTQ+ persons fueled by a culture of homophobia,” the statement read in part.
The KHRC reminded the public in its statement that the Kenyan constitution guarantees all citizens the right to life, dignity, and freedom of expression, regardless of gender, sex, or any other status.
The commission also urged media outlets and the general public to avoid insensitive reporting and the distribution of images or videos that could re-traumatize and distress Chiloba’s family and community.
“Let us not forget that LGBTIQ rights are HUMAN RIGHTS,” the KHRC said in its statement.
“We demand justice for Edwin Chiloba,” the statement concluded.
