The horrific murder of LGBTQ activist Edwin Chiloba, whose body was discovered hidden inside a metal box, has sparked a heated online discussion about the nation’s queer community.
Sauti Sol, whose one member Willis Chimano came out as gay in public last year after many years of hiding, was among many who denounced the horrific conduct.
The vocalist and producer of Sauti Sol, Savara Mudigi, revealed in a radio interview that they always set out to protect their “brother” Chimano just a week before Chiloba was killed.
Savara described an incident that he said occurred six years ago when they roughed up a partygoer after he attacked Chimano because of his sexual orientation.
In 2013, nine years prior to the incident Savara was alluding to, it was discovered that bouncers had physically abused Sauti Sol at a nearby institution where they were supposed to perform.
The band had traveled to Mount Kenya University for a performance. Chimano temporarily left the backstage VIP tent where he was waiting to take the stage to use the restroom. While outside, however, he was confronted by a stranger and hit in the face.
Chimano was bleeding heavily and had a burst lip when he arrived back. When he informed us what had transpired, I finally understood the depth of our brothers tie, Savara recalled.
Polycarp Otieno, the calmest of the guys, Bien-Aime Baraza, Chimano, and Savara made the decision to act independently.
“We went looking for the guy, but he hadn’t moved on. Although it is embarrassing to admit it, I can still recall Bien charging at him fiercely. Before leaving the site, we gave him a retaliatory thrashing.
Savara summoned his warriors, beat up the culprit, and then drove away without giving a performance.
However, the bouncers at the gate halted them as they tried to leave, but they still managed to depart without the event making news.
Savara claims that since since, they have worked to keep Chimano safe.
The band’s reputation hasn’t suffered since Chimano came out as gay, the producer continued.
He claimed that since then, Chimano has developed a thick skin toward online bullies.
