This archive report was first published on 15 December 2019.
December 15, 2019, marked a turning point in the life of Joseph 'Jowie' Irungu, a murder suspect, as he was transferred to Manyani Maximum Security Prison, a facility notorious for its harsh conditions.
According to sources, Jowie's living conditions at Manyani Prison are far from palatable, prompting him to go on a hunger strike. His father has expressed concerns that Jowie's food may be poisoned, leading to his refusal to eat.
As a result, Jowie has taken drastic measures by suing the Kenyan government over alleged mistreatment in prison. In a suit filed by his lawyer, Wilson Nandwa, at the high court on Friday, Jowie seeks protection from his claimed troubles in the prison system.
It is worth noting that Jowie is a murder suspect in the brutal killing of businesswoman Monicah Kimani, whose body was found dumped in the bath tub of her posh apartment at Lamuria Garden in Nairobi last year.
Monica Kimani's throat had been slit, ear to ear, and her hands and legs bound. Jowie's transfer to Manyani Prison comes after he was caught with contraband, leading to his denial of bail for the second time.
The murder trial is set to resume on February 13, 2020. In the suit, Jowie also details his desire to record a statement at Kiambu police station, file a report, and undergo a medical examination at Kiambu Hospital for the purpose of filling a P3 form.
Furthermore, Jowie alleges that he was threatened with death by a fellow prisoner who physically assaulted him in the presence of police officers at the Kamiti maximum prison where he was being remanded.
