Lady Justice Grace Nzioka has delayed the sentencing of Joseph Irungu, also known as Jowie, who was convicted for the murder of Nairobi businesswoman Monica Kimani.
The judge made this decision due to the belated submission of documents by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the victim’s family, and Jowie’s defence attorney.
Justice Nzioka revealed that the ODPP submitted its pre-sentencing report late the previous evening, while the victim’s family filed their submissions on Friday morning before the scheduled sentencing.
As a result of these delays, Jowie’s legal team did not have sufficient time to respond to the submissions presented by the prosecution and Kimani’s family.
Given these circumstances, Jowie’s defence requested an extension to thoroughly review the submissions and prepare their response. Justice Nzioka acceded to their request, directing all parties to file their submissions by Monday, March 11.
The sentencing has been rescheduled for Wednesday, March 13.
In the case at hand, Jowie was found guilty of the murder of Monica Kimani, which occurred on September 19, 2018.
In a verdict delivered on February 9, 2024, Justice Grace Nzioka asserted that the prosecution had successfully demonstrated, beyond a reasonable doubt, Jowie’s involvement in the murder.
The judge emphasised various aspects of the case that led to the determination of Jowie’s guilt. Notably, Jowie’s actions both before and after the murder were scrutinised. It was revealed that he used someone else’s identity card to gain access to Kimani’s apartments on the day of the crime, suggesting premeditation.
Additionally, Jowie was the last person seen with the deceased in her residence. Applying the doctrine of last sight, the judge presumed that the person last seen with the deceased was responsible for their death, placing the onus on the accused to explain the circumstances.
Forensic analysis of bloodstains found on Jowie’s shorts further confirmed that the blood belonged to the deceased. Jowie had been jointly charged with his ex-fiancée, former Citizen TV anchor Jacque Maribe, who was acquitted of the murder.
