This archive report was first published on 22 November 2019.
Jowie Seeks Bail, Claims Suffering in Prison ¶
Joseph Irungu alias Jowie, the main suspect in the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani, has made a fresh bail application, citing suffering in prison. He has been in remand for over a year.
On November 21, Jowie told the court that he should be treated like his co-accused, journalist Jacque Maribe, who was granted bail in October 2018. Maribe was granted a KSh 2 million bail by Justice James Wakiaga.
However, Jowie's previous bail applications were unsuccessful due to concerns that he was a flight risk, as he had no known permanent residence. In his fresh plea, Jowie stated that he had no intention of going anywhere and would honour court summons.
A report by a government analyst presented in court on November 20 linked Jowie to the scene of the crime at Lamuria gardens. The analyst's report was presented before Justice James Wakiaga.
Monica Kimani was murdered in September 2018, and her body was discovered in her house at Lamuria gardens in Kilimani, Nairobi. The case has sparked public interest, with many Kenyans calling for Jowie's release on social media, citing discrimination due to his financial situation.
