This archive report was first published on 13 December 2019.
December 13, 2019
Joseph Kuria Irungu, alias Jowie, is suing the State for alleged mistreatment while in custody.
According to an affidavit filed by Jowie's lawyer, Wilson Nandwa, the accused's life is in danger due to the inhumane conditions in his cell.
The cell, located at Kamiti Maximum Prison, is allegedly infested with snakes and has a dirty blanket full of bedbugs and lice.
Jowie further claims that he was physically assaulted by an officer identified as Mr. Lekulal and others for no apparent reason.
He also alleges that Mr. Lekulal threatened to 'throw him into a hole that he would never come out of', which led to his transfer from Kamiti Maximum Prison to Manyani in Voi.
Jowie is seeking urgent certification of his application and wants to be escorted to Kiambu Police Station to report the incident.
He also wants the prison officers restrained from mistreating him and is seeking a medical examination at Kiambu Hospital.
The hearing of the murder case against Jowie and his co-accused, journalist Jacque Maribe, is set to resume in March 2020.
