Jowie Irungu's Father Dies Of Cancer

The family confirmed on Sunday, June 16 that the elder Irungu had been battling cancer before he died on Saturday, June 15 while receiving treatment at Nakuru Level Five Hospital Annex.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Jun 16, 2024 - 17:07
0
Jowie Irungu's Father Dies Of Cancer
Jowie Irungu in court on February 9, 2024. /DAILY NATION

Julius Mwangi Irungu, the father of Joseph Irungu alias 'Jowie' who was convicted for the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani, is dead. The 64-year-old is said to have died of cancer.

The family confirmed on Sunday, June 16 that the elder Irungu had been battling cancer before he died on Saturday, June 15 while receiving treatment at Nakuru Level Five Hospital Annex.

Annastacia Thaama, Jowie's mother, told the press that the family had opted to move him to the Level 5 facility after his condition had deteriorated over the weekend.

"We lost him yesterday and we are still coming to terms with his death. We were taking him to Nairobi for treatment but when his condition suddenly deteriorated, we had to rush him to Nakuru Level Five Annex Hospital for treatment before we could transfer him to Nairobi and sadly he died at the facility," said Thaama.

A file photo of Jowie's father, the now-deceased Julius Irungu in court during his son's murder trial. /THE STAR

The deceased leaves behind a widow and four children, including Jowie, who is currently serving a death sentence at Kamiti Maximum Prison for the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani.

Jowie, on his part through lawyer Andrew Muge, revealed that he was exploring possibilities of attending his father's burial.

On when the burial should take place, Muge stated, "I have been in talks with Jowies mum and sister. The intention is to bury Julius in his ancestral home in Muranga. Details will be availed."

Julius had been reported to have battled cancer for many years, including the period his son was facing murder charges. This would explain why Jowie was accompanied by his mother on March 13 when Jowie was handed the death sentence by Lady Justice Grace Nzioka.

"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," his lawyer stated.

It is worth noting that in February 2024, the High Court ruled that convicted citizens had the right to attend burials of close family members. 

"The right of a prisoner or detained person to a temporary leave of absence to attend the burial or funeral of a close relative is rooted in the principle of humane treatment and inherent dignity as a human being," the High Court ruled then.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Lawrence Mugambi however cautioned that the right was not absolute and convicts could be denied permission if there were compelling reasons made against the request.

Jowie Irungu will therefore be required to prove that should the request be granted, the burial will not be attended by those hurt by the crime.

The news comes as Jowie filed a petition challenging the High Court ruling that sentenced him to death over the murder of Kimani.

He urged the High Court to declare that Section 379(4) of the Criminal Procedure Code is unconstitutional, null and void to the extent that it denies persons sentenced to death the right to bail pending appeal.

In his petition filed at the Constitution and Human Rights Division at the Milimani Law Courts, Jowie also wants Section 379(4) of the Criminal Procedure Code deemed discriminatory and infringing on the right to the human dignity of a person sentenced to death and thus contrary to Articles 27 and 28 of the Constitution.

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

Tags: