Jowie To Appeal Death Sentence

Murder convict Joseph 'Jowie' Irungu has filed a notice of appeal against the High Court ruling that sentenced him to death over the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani.

In the notice seen by Viral Tea, Jowie through his new lawyer Andrew Muge indicated that the appeal intends to challenge his conviction for the murder and subsequent sentencing by Lady Justice Grace Nzioka.

Jowie previously hired Hassan Nandwa to defend his case.

Jowie Irungu in court ahead of his sentencing on March 8, 2024. /PHOTO

"Take notice that Joseph Kuria Irungu alias Jowie appeals to the Court of Appeal against the decisions of the Honourable Lady Justice Grace Nzioka delivered in open court at Milimani, Nairobi on the 9th day February 2024 and in her written judgment dated 9th February 2024 whereby the Appellant was convicted of Murder and sentenced to death on 13th March 2024."

"The appeal is against the conviction and sentence," reads the court document.

Jowie further expressed his intention to be present at the hearing of the appeal.

Jowie, who was found guilty of murdering Kimani in September 2018, was on Wednesday, March 13 handed the maximum penalty for the murder charge by Justice Nzioka, which is the death penalty. 

During the proceedings along Milimani Law Courts on Wednesday, March 13, Justice Grace Nzioka indicated that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.

In making her determination, she considered three factors; how the offence was committed, the consequence of the offence and the personality of Jowie.

Shortly after the ruling was made, Jowie's lawyer pointed out that they were in disagreement with the ruling despite respecting it.

"This unfortunate decision, as much as we disagree with the learned judge, there is a way out. We will appeal and we're hopeful that our appeal will be allowed when it comes.

"Otherwise, we respected the judge and her decision, and therefore we will head to the Court of Appeal when the time comes after the sentencing," the lawyer stated. 

Nandwa had previously indicated that the murder convict would appeal the guilty verdict at the Court of Appeal after his sentencing.