Joseph Kuria Irungu alias Jowie has been handed a death sentence after he was found guilty of the gruesome murder of businesswoman Monicah Kimani in 2018.
In arriving at the sentence, Justice Grace Nzoika observed that the matter and the evidence adduced did not lead to a conclusion that the murder of the South Sudan-based businesswoman was accidental.
Justice Nzoika explained that the deceased died a “tragic and gruesome painful death when she had not provoked Jowie”.
“You will suffer death in the manner prescribed under the law,” she ruled.
“Based on everything I’ve said, I’ve ordered that the Irungu shall suffer death,” ruled the Judge.
The court further observed that Jowie intended, planned, and executed the murder which left behind a trail of shattered dreams.
Justice Nzoika observed that Monica Kimani’s murder which occurred in 2018 “challenges the moral fabric of the society and demands justice.”
“It is not only a loss to the family but to the society,” she said.
Justice Nzioka said the circumstances under which Monicah died led her to arrive at the death sentence.
She observed that international organisations and human rights bodies have castigated the killing of women in Kenya and the court takes judicial notice of the latest incidents.
The court also observed that murders involving women were on the rise in the country, including a particular incident where a University lady was murdered in Nairobi and her body dismembered.
George Kimani, brother of the deceased, told Nairobi News that the family was satisfied with the sentence.
“Justice has been done and as a family, we are now ready to move on,” he said.
Jowie was charged alongside his ex-girlfriend Jackie Maribe with Ms Irungu’s murder.
The court acquitted Ms Maribe even though the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) announced he will appeal that decision.