Joseph Irungu alias Jowie has been sentenced to death for the murder of Nairobi businesswoman Monica Kimani.
While delivering her judgment on Wednesday, March 13, Lady Justice Grace Nzioka revealed that she considered three factors in making her determination namely; the manner in which the offence was committed, the consequence of the offence and the personality of the accused (Jowie).
She described the gruesome ordeal the businesswoman underwent, stating that Kimani's killer did not intend to even give her one minute to live.
"It was a gruesome murder, horrific and threatening," she stated.
Jowie's sentencing comes after he was found guilty of the murder on February 9, 2024. The businesswoman was murdered on September 19, 2018, and her body was discovered the following day in her bathtub by her friends and relatives.
Submission by the Prosecution
During their presentencing report, the prosecution urged the court to impose the death penalty on Jowie.
The prosecution submitted that evidence showed that Jowie planned to commit the offence and used a weapon, which they described as deadly.
Submissions of the Victim's Family
The family submitted to the court that the death of their kin was a huge blow. The family noted that Kimani was the breadwinner of the family and that her death affected them.
"No amount of compensation can bring the deceased back," the judge stated.
Submissions by Jowie
He agreed with the deceased family that no amount of money can be able to bring the deceased back to life. Jowie also contended that the Kimani died a cruel death.
"The accused person invited the court to consider that he is a first offender, that he was purely convicted based on the circumstantial evidence and the time he has spent in custody," she stated.
Report by Probation Officer on Kimani's Family & Jowie's Personality
It was reported to the court that Kimani's mother cried severally during the writing of the report, forcing the probation officer to stop the interview several times.
Monica's brother was reported to have stopped watching news and trusting people. He also limited his movements.
The probation officer on the other hand reported to the court that Jowie has a double personality.
"The probation officer reports that the accused person lacks stable partner relationships. He has anti-social personality patterns manifested by living on the edge. He is impulsive and a thrill seeker. He used anger or aggression to control others," the judge read the report by the probation officer.
