On Saturday, June 22, the Kenya Prisons Service granted Joseph Irungu alias Jowie permission to attend his father's funeral virtually.
Initially, Jowie through his lawyers had sought permission from the courts and the government to allow him to attend his father's funeral physically.
However, in response, the office of the Commissioner of General Prisons noted that the request would not be granted owing to two reasons.
It was explained that the request to attend the burial physically would not be possible owing to security concerns.
On the other hand, it was explained that there were no set guidelines on releasing prisoners to attend the funeral of their relatives.
"Having put into consideration all the prevailing circumstances, including the safety of the inmate and the public at large, security arrangements for the said category of the inmate and the absence of guidelines, we advise that there are compelling reasons not to grant the request. Consequently, your request is declined.
"Nevertheless, the department offers to facilitate the inmate to participate in the funeral proceedings virtually. Should this offer be agreeable to yourselves, kindly let us know, so as to make the necessary arrangements," read the statement in part.
Jowie Irungu's father, Julius Irungu, died on June 15 while undergoing cancer treatment. Jowie's father was receiving treatment in Nakuru before his demise.
Following the death, his lawyer, Andre Muge, revealed that they were going to work on ways to have Jowie released to pay his last respects to his father.
"Jowie's dad during the whole prosecution period was battling cancer and in extreme pain at every court attendance doing his duty as any loving father would.
"It would only be just to allow Jowie to pay his last respects to him as he is laid to rest," he stated.
Jowie was sentenced to death on March 15, after being found guilty of the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani.
