This archive report was first published on 21 November 2019.
On the night of September 19, 2018, Lee Owen Omondi Madala left Joseph Kuria Irungu, alias Jowie, at Monica Kimani's Lamuria Apartments in Kilimani, Nairobi. This was the night before Monica Kimani's murder, which occurred on September 20, 2018.
Madala testified in court that he had gone to Monica Kimani's house to collect his logbook and upon arrival, she joyfully welcomed him. He found two men, Walid and Jowie, in the sitting room. Walid was introduced as a good neighbor who had visited Monica after she returned from South Sudan.
Monica Kimani introduced Jowie as a security officer in the Office of the President and also works as a security officer for Interpol. Madala described Jowie as dressed in a red cap, a white kanzu, and a grey coat. He said Monica Kimani told him that Jowie did not usually dress in a kanzu but had been on a security drill in Lamu and had to wear it.
Madala said he was served with a drink and they discussed security matters. Jowie said he was in a position to secure him a firearm. After some drinks, Walid left, and Madala followed shortly after picking his logbook. As he was leaving, Monica Kimani told him that Jowie was to leave immediately, but the accused interjected, saying 'I can even sleep here, the house is big enough.'
Madala then drove to town centre where he bought supper for his wife. Before leaving the house, Monica Kimani allegedly informed him that she was to travel to Dubai for business. She then asked him to pick some parcel he was to bring from South Sudan.
The next day, September 20, 2018, Madala called Monica Kimani but got no response. Even text messages were never replied. Two days later, he received a call from another friend, Ms Wanja, who broke the news of Monica Kimani's death.
Madala testified that he was shocked and afraid since he was among the people in Monica Kimani's house the night she was killed. He looked for his lawyer, Jeff Kimata, for advice then reported to Kilimani Police Station.
