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Joseph 'Jowie' Irungu appeals against death sentence

Joseph Irungu alias Jowie on the dock at the Mîlîmanî law courts on March 13 during sentencing. Photo. Joseph Ndunda.

By Joseph Ndunda | Friday, March 15, 2024

Jowie has informed the court of his intention to be physically present during the hearing of his appeal against the verdict of Justice Grace Nzioka.

Joseph Irungu, alias Jowie, has notified the court of appeal of his decision to challenge his conviction for the murder of businesswoman Monica Kîmani.

Jowie was handed a death sentence on Wednesday, March 13, by Justice Grace Nzioka citing the judgement as the appropriate punishment considering the offence and the circumstances surrounding the commission of the offence and its repercussions.

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Through lawyer Andrew Munge, Jowie has informed the court of his intention to be physically present during the hearing of his appeal against the verdict of Justice Grace Nzioka.

Irungu was last month found guilty of the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani on the night of September 19, 2018, while his co-accused Jacque Maribe was acquitted. Justice Nzioka said the evidence presented in the case did not lead to the conclusion that the death was accidental.

“It was planned, intended and it was executed. In a murder, one person’s life ends but countless lives are impacted,” she said on Wednesday.

Irungu had pleaded to be spared the death sentence and asked the judge to pass a custodial sentence.

In his mitigation before the sentence, Jowie said he conveyed sadness that such a tragic and callous loss of life happened and in the extreme circumstances bordering on an act of absolute madness that is beyond understanding even to himself who stands convicted of the act.

“In the face of being convicted of the murder, with the knowledge that her family has suffered and will continue to suffer the pain and sorrow of her loss, and with the understanding of terrible fear and pain that Monica Kimani must have endured I can only humbly plead for leniency during sentencing,” he stated in his mitigation.

In addition to his statement that appeared to have aggravated the case, a social inquiry report filed by probation officer Andrew Kanyotu stated that Jowie “lacked stable partner relationships, had an antisocial personality, was impartial, a thrill seeker and used his anger to control others”.

Justice Nzioka said all these details did not favour the convict.

This notice of appeal will be served to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).