On March 13, 2024, two days after being sentenced to death for the murder of Monicah Kimani, Joseph ‘Jowie’ Irungu filed a notice of appeal.
Since then, Jowie has expressed frustration at the slow pace of the process. To proceed with his appeal, Jowie requires the trial record, which typically contains a detailed account of the trial, the judge’s notes, the judgment, and any other documents necessary for properly determining the appeal.
Jowie’s advocate, Andrew Muge, stated that nearly a year has passed without receiving the record. Despite repeated efforts by his legal team to obtain the documents from court administrators, they have yet to receive the trial records.
Jowie’s advocates have now sought the court’s intervention, stressing the importance of obtaining the record in order to take the next steps at the Court of Appeal.
Interestingly, the victim’s advocate, representing Monicah’s family, echoed Jowie’s concerns, calling for the record to be provided.
Additionally, the victim’s advocate requested the release of certain items still in court custody. However, Jowie’s advocate opposed the release of some of these items, stating that they are exhibits and that it is unclear whether they are part of the record of appeal.
The court subsequently directed that the matter be mentioned on January 28 to confirm the status of the record.
Monicah Kimani was found murdered at her residence in Lamuria Gardens, Nairobi, on September 19, 2018.
She was set to travel to Dubai the following morning, but her body was discovered in a bathtub with her throat slit from ear to ear.
In June 2024, months after his son’s sentencing, Jowie Irungu’s father, Julius Irungu, passed away. He died while undergoing treatment at the Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital Annex.
Julius Irungu, 64, had been battling cancer, though the specific type was not disclosed. His wife, Anne Thama, explained that he had been in and out of the hospital due to the illness until his passing.
Julius, along with his wife and daughter, had attended most of Jowie’s court hearings.
by PENINAH NJOKI
