This archive report was first published on 1 November 2019.
Babu Owino Calls for Jowie's Release on Bail ¶
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has joined the chorus calling for the release of Joseph Irungu, alias Jowie, on bail. In a social media post, Owino argued that Jowie should only be imprisoned if proven guilty of the murder charge he is facing over the death of Monica Kimani.
Owino noted that other suspects, including Migori governor Okoth Obado and Sarah Wairimu, who are accused of murder, have been granted bail. He accused the judiciary of being unfair, stating that Jowie's detention is a case of 'rich judiciary' frustrating a poor suspect.
High court judge, Justice James Wakiaga, had denied Jowie bail, ruling that he posed a flight risk due to lack of assets in the country. However, Owino argued that the judiciary should exercise equity in handling all cases, citing the principle that 'he who comes to equity must come with clean hands.'
A section of Kenyans on social media also backed Owino's position, with some questioning the fairness of Jowie's detention compared to other suspects who have been granted bail.
