The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Joseph Irungu, also known as Jowie, voiced his frustration in court on Tuesday regarding delays in receiving the trial record, which is necessary for him to proceed with his appeal.
Jowie was convicted and sentenced to death on March 13 of the previous year by Judge Grace Nzioka for the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani.
Two days after the conviction, Jowie filed a notice of appeal with the Court of Appeal, challenging the entire decision of the trial judge. However, in order to pursue his appeal, he needs the trial record, which includes a detailed account of the trial, the judge’s notes, the judgment, and any other relevant documents.
Through his lawyer, Andrew Muge, Jowie expressed that nearly a year has passed without receiving the record. His legal team has repeatedly reached out to court officials but has yet to receive the necessary documents. They urged the court to intervene, as the record is essential for progressing with the appeal.
The victim’s advocate, representing Monica Kimani’s family, agreed with Jowie’s concern about the delay in obtaining the trial record but also requested the release of certain items still held by the court. Jowie’s lawyer objected to the release of these items, arguing they are exhibits, and their relevance to the appeal is uncertain.
The court scheduled a mention for January 28 to assess the status of the trial record.
Monica Kimani was found murdered in her Nairobi home on September 19, 2018, just before she was set to travel to Dubai. Her body was discovered in a bathtub with her throat slashed. In her judgment, the trial judge emphasized the severity of the crime, noting the gruesome nature of the murder and suggesting that the killer had some form of training. The judge concluded that the murder was deliberate and premeditated, rather than a result of accident or provocation.
