This archive report was first published on 20 August 2020.
On August 20, 2020, Joseph Irungu, alias Jowie, a suspect in the murder of trader Monica Kimani, shared his harrowing experience in Kamiti prison for the first time.
Kimani was found dead in a bathtub in her house in Nairobi's Kilimani area in 2018.
Jowie spent one-and-a-half years in Kamiti prison, a period he described as the worst thing that has ever happened in his lifetime.
Speaking to Jalang'o on his YouTube channel, Jowie said, 'Kamiti is not what you think man! It is a small place but a bad place.'
He expressed gratitude to those who made time to visit inmates, saying, 'Checking up on people in prison is so hopeful. All prisoners are hopeful that they will be free one day.'
However, Jowie's experience was far from hopeful. He revealed that even his close friends abandoned him, leaving him with only his family for support.
Despite the challenges he faced, Jowie found solace in his faith and music. He has since released a song, 'Nishikilie', which talks about his tribulations and thanks God for being by his side through the years he was behind bars.
