In a landmark verdict that marks the culmination of a high-profile case, Joseph Irungu, commonly known as Jowie, has been sentenced to death for the murder of businesswoman Monica Nyawira Kimani. The sentencing, delivered by High Court Judge Grace Nzioka, comes after Irungu was found guilty of the murder last month, following a trial that captivated the nation’s attention.
The tragic incident occurred on the night of September 19, 2018, when Monica Kimani’s lifeless body was discovered in a bathtub with her throat slit from ear to ear, shortly after she arrives from Juba. The conviction of Irungu and the subsequent sentencing have brought a sense of closure to Monica Kimani’s family and loved ones, who have been awaiting justice for her untimely death.
The sentencing proceedings were originally scheduled for last Friday but were adjourned to March 13 to allow Irungu’s lawyer, Prof Hassan Nandwa, to file submissions after receiving the pre-sentencing report and submissions from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). In her submissions, assistant director at the ODPP Gikui Gichuhi urged the court to consider the death penalty for Irungu, citing the intricate planning of the offense, lack of provocation from Monica, and attempts to conceal the crime as aggravating circumstances.
The probation officer’s assessment, conducted as part of the pre-sentencing process, revealed troubling traits in Irungu’s personality, including a lack of stable partner relationships, antisocial behavior, and a propensity for thrill-seeking and manipulation. These findings underscored the complexities of Irungu’s character and raised questions about his capacity for rehabilitation and potential for future criminal behavior.
Now, with the sentencing handed down, Irungu faces the death penalty, marking a significant moment in Kenya’s legal history. Despite the possibility of the death penalty, it’s noteworthy that Kenya hasn’t executed anyone on death row since 1987. Irungu’s sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violent crime and the importance of upholding justice in society.
As the nation reflects on this verdict, there is a renewed call for accountability and the protection of innocent lives. The sentencing of Joseph ‘Jowie’ Irungu to death for the murder of Monica Kimani sends a powerful message about the gravity of such offenses and the commitment of the judiciary to uphold the rule of law. Moving forward, it is hoped that this verdict will bring some measure of closure to all those affected by this tragic case and serve as a deterrent against similar acts of violence in the future.