Why the family of Monica Kimani wants Jowie to receive a death sentence

The mother of Monica Kimani, the slain businesswoman, has appealed to the court to consider the brutal murder of her daughter and sentence her killer, Jowie Irungu, to death. Monica’s lifeless body was discovered at her house in Lamuria Gardens, Kilimani, on September 19, 2018, with her throat cut and hands tied. Jowie was convicted for the murder, and Maribe, his co-accused, was acquitted. Monica’s mother, deeply affected by the tragedy, urged the court in a pre-sentencing report to impose the death penalty, stating that it is natural justice for such a cruel act.

Monica’s mother, emotionally overwhelmed during an interview with probation officer Andrew Kanyutu, expressed her anguish, causing a brief interruption. The family has struggled to cope with Monica’s tragic death, with her mother questioning why her daughter had to suffer such a cruel fate. Monica’s death has taken a toll on her mother’s physical health, leading to prolonged depression and a stroke.

Monica’s father, Bishop Paul Ngarama, urged the court to consider scriptural guidance in passing the sentence, quoting a verse from the book of Proverbs. Monica’s younger brother, George Kimani, supported Jowie’s conviction, describing him as deceptive, violent, and provocative. Despite the family advocating for capital punishment, Jowie pleaded with the court for leniency, expressing shock and depression over his conviction.

Jowie, born on November 20, 1990, grew up in Mwariki area in Nakuru county. He studied food production and worked in the security sector in Dubai, receiving tactical military training. Jowie was planning to formalize his relationship with Maribe at the time of the offense. The probation officer’s findings portrayed Jowie as having double personality traits, with criminogenic risk factors including a lack of stable partner relationship and an antisocial pattern personality.

In conclusion, the probation officer recommended the court to exercise discretion in sentencing, considering the sentiments of both the victim’s family and the offender. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) prayed for a death sentence to be imposed by the court.