DNA results presented in court as evidence in the murder of LGBTQ activist Edwin Kiprotich
Various items, including blood samples and swabs collected from the body of slain LGBTQ activist Edwin Kiprotich, also known as Chiloba, were presented at the High Court in Eldoret.
The samples, which also encompass those obtained from Jacktone Odhiambo, the primary suspect in Chiloba's murder, were displayed during the hearing presided over by Justice Reuben Nyakundi.
Polycarp Luta Kweyu, the Principal Chemist at the government chemist in Kisumu, provided the samples as part of his testimony.
He confirmed receiving the initial batch of samples on January 11, 2023, which consisted of anal swabs, fingernail clippings, clothing items, and bed sheets from the scene where Chiloba's body was discovered.
Additionally, on January 19 of the same year, Luta received 27 more items, including those from Odhiambo, from the DCI in Eldoret.
He was tasked with determining the genetic relation between the two sets of materials.
According to Luta's findings, stains from the anal swabs, boxer shorts, and red trousers tested positive for spermatozoa.
The male DNA profile obtained from these samples indicated a mixture of Edwin Kiptoo and Jacktone Odhiambo.
Furthermore, the male DNA profiles from the bed cover matched seminal fluids attributed to Jacktone Odhiambo.
During cross-examination by Odhiambo's lawyer, Mathai Maina, Luta clarified that Odhiambo was not presented at the government chemist, but the samples indicated they were obtained at Moi Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
Due to the condition of some items and the inconvenience of displaying them in a closed courtroom, Justice Nyakundi decided to move the hearing outside.
After a break to acquire masks, the items, tightly packed and sealed in waterproof envelopes, were displayed.
Odhiambo has denied the charges of murdering Chiloba between December 31st and January 3rd in Eldoret.
Chiloba's body was discovered in a metallic box dumped on the outskirts of town, allegedly from an incident at the Noble Breeze apartment where Chiloba and the suspect purportedly resided together. The hearing continues.
