The U.S. government has joined mass outcry over the murder of LGBTQ activist Edwin Chiloba, demanding that Kenyan authorities conduct thorough and transparent investigations.
U.S. State Department Spokesperson Ned Price told reporters on Monday, January 9 that Us is ready to assist Kenya in its probes.
In an effort to bring justice to the victim’s family, he also called for investigations to be conducted openly and thoroughly.
“And of course, if there’s anything we can do to assist, we stand ready to do that,” Price indicated in the press statement.
A statement of condolence was sent by the spokesman to the family and the LGBTQ community. He praised Chiloba as a powerful figure who fought for equal rights.
“There are so many in that community in Kenya who benefitted from his leadership, from his visibility, from his support,” he noted.
Price ended his statement by condemning the conduct and demanding an end to violence against the LGBTQ community.
“Violence against LGBTQI+ persons — or anyone, of course — is unacceptable, but when violence stems from possible bias or stigma, it indirectly harms all members of the targeted community.
The death of Chiloba has sparked discussion on a global scale, with outlets as diverse as CNN, the Washington Post, the New York Times, and The Guardian drawing attention to the incident.
Jackton Odhiambo, the main suspect in the murder, was detained along with three others.
On Monday, January 9, he appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Richard Odenyo and asked to be released on bond so that he could keep providing for his family.
The judge, however, refused the defense’s motion and sided with the prosecution, which had sought to keep the suspects in custody for 21 days while the investigations were ongoing.
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