Ahead of the sentencing of Joseph Irungu, alias Jowie, the main suspect in the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani, the latter’s family submitted reports documenting how their lives had been since they lost their relative. A report by the probation officer detailed how Monica Kimani’s family was affected by her demise. High Court Judge Grace Nzioka sentenced Jowie to death on Wednesday, March 13, after convicting him of the offence on Friday, February 9, 2024. The sentencing was set to occur on Friday, March 8, but delays by involved parties prompted Justice Nzioka to move the matter to Wednesday. While reading her sentence, Justice Nzioka factored in Jowie’s mitigation, a presentencing report, and submissions about the victim’s life. Jowie says he didn’t murder Monica Kimani In his mitigation, Jowie said he was a first-time offender, sympathised with Kimani’s family, and reiterated his innocence in the murder that was described as horrific by the judge, the prosecution, and the defence. Jowie’s family, the area chief, and the pastor had good words for the convict, unlike the investigation and probation officers, who described him as extremely dangerous and a person of double personality. Kimani’s family, in its submissions, stated that their relative’s death had robbed them of joy forever, besides seeing the family’s business empire collapse. “She was a young person with a promising future, and we are shocked at her death. We call for a stringent sentence,” her Thika relatives submitted. How Monica Kimani’s death affected family The probation officer indicated that only Monica’s father had undergone psychological counselling to help him cope with the demise of his daughter. Other family members were still battling with trauma. “Following the demise of the victim, the family has suffered monumental psychological impact and is yet to cope with the offence and death. Other than the father, others haven’t received psychological counselling. The mother, who broke down severally during the interview, does not understand what would cause someone to murder her only daughter, who was her confidant and friend, in such a manner. “The father said that media coverage has impeded their emotional healing. Her younger brother ceased watching the news, stopped trusting people, limited his movements, avoided going to public places, and only did online jobs,” the report read.
by Michael Ollinga Oruko
