Tag: Jowie Irungu News

Reports circulating on social media regarding the release of Joseph Irungu, alias “Jowie,” convicted in the murder of businesswoman Monicah Kimani, were widely discussed on Tuesday, May 28, 2025. These discussions were fueled by a gazette notice dated Friday, May 23, which listed a “Joseph Irungu Maina” among 57 prisoners pardoned by President William Ruto under the Power of Mercy Act. A local media outlet also contributed to the spread of these alleged reports.

However, Dennis Itumbi, the Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects in the Executive Office of the President, has since dismissed these claims as false.

The supposed release of Jowie Irungu triggered mixed reactions online, with some users believing the information while others expressed skepticism.

Truth Behind the Release Claims

A quick check by The Kenya Times to verify the circulating claims revealed crucial discrepancies. While the gazette notice did indeed list an individual named Joseph Irungu Maina as inmate number 22 among the pardoned prisoners, Jowie Irungu, convicted in the Monicah Kimani murder case, is actually named Joseph Irungu Kuria. This difference in names was the primary reason for dismissing the news as false.

Furthermore, the Joseph Irungu pardoned by President William Ruto, listed as inmate 22, number 219, was convicted in 2015. In stark contrast, Jowie Irungu, convicted for Monicah Kimani’s murder, was sentenced much more recently, on March 13, 2024. These timelines further substantiate that the claims of his release are untrue.

Jowie Irungu’s Conviction and the Power of Mercy Act

Joseph “Jowie” Irungu was convicted of the murder of businesswoman Monicah Kimani and subsequently sentenced to death on March 13, 2024, by High Court Judge Grace Nzioka in Nairobi. His conviction stemmed from the brutal killing of Kimani on September 19, 2018, at her Lamuria Gardens apartment in Kilimani, where her throat was slit and her body discovered in a bathtub. The judge cited overwhelming evidence, including Jowie’s possession of a firearm used to subdue Kimani, and the calculated nature of the crime, suggesting it was committed by someone with significant training.

The Power of Mercy Act of 2011 in Kenya provides a legislative framework that operationalizes Article 133 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. This act grants the President the authority to exercise mercy toward convicted criminal offenders, allowing for actions such as pardons, remissions of sentences, or substitutions of punishment.

As of March 6, 2025, a wave of speculation has swept through Kenyan social media circles, with rumors suggesting that Joseph “Jowie” Irungu—convicted in the high-profile murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani—may have been quietly released from prison. The whispers, largely fueled by posts on X, have ignited curiosity and skepticism, raising questions about transparency, justice, and the inner workings of Kenya’s legal system. While no official confirmation has emerged from authorities or mainstream media, the chatter reflects a public still deeply invested in a case that has gripped the nation since 2018.
Jowie Irungu’s legal saga began with his arrest in September 2018, following the brutal murder of Monica Kimani in her Nairobi apartment. Found guilty by High Court Judge Grace Nzioka on February 9, 2024, Jowie was sentenced to death on March 13, 2024—a penalty that, while still legal in Kenya, has not been carried out since 1987 due to a de facto moratorium on executions. His bond was revoked upon conviction, and he was remanded to Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, ending a period of freedom on a KSh 2 million cash bail secured in 2020. His co-accused, former TV anchor Jacque Maribe, was acquitted of murder but faced scrutiny for allegedly falsifying evidence. Jowie’s legal team vowed to appeal, but updates on that process have been scarce—until now, when unverified claims of his release surfaced.
The rumors took root on X yesterday, with users like @kuwamocho questioning why no media house had reported Jowie’s alleged freedom two weeks prior, exclaiming, “Tuko nchi gani?” (What country are we in?). Others, such as @Wuodnyakach , tied his supposed release to broader societal commentary, while @RealJaduong
suggested a government-orchestrated exit, hinting at Jowie’s past as a security contractor with possible high-level connections. The lack of official statements has only amplified the speculation, with some dubbing it a real-life movie plot unfolding in silence.
If true, Jowie’s release would mark a stunning twist in a case already laden with drama. After his sentencing, Monica Kimani’s father, Bishop Paul Ngarama, expressed a willingness to forgive Jowie, even planning a prison visit to foster reconciliation—a sentiment reported by Capital FM on April 1, 2024. Could this have paved the way for a clemency deal? Kenya’s death penalty framework allows for presidential commutation, often to life imprisonment or lesser terms, but such processes typically involve public disclosure. Alternatively, a successful appeal or procedural loophole could explain a release, though no court records have surfaced to support this.
Skeptics, however, point to the absence of credible evidence. Kenya’s media, known for its relentless coverage of the Kimani case, has remained silent—a stark contrast to the frenzy that accompanied Jowie’s 2020 bail release, when his family’s fundraising efforts and eventual success made headlines. Posts on X, while provocative, lack substantiation beyond anecdotal claims. The notion that Jowie, a figure once deemed a flight risk, could slip out of Kamiti unnoticed strains credulity without official corroboration.
What’s undeniable is the public’s fascination with Jowie Irungu. From his days as a flashy security operative and Jacque Maribe’s fiancé to his reinvention as a gospel artist during his bail period, he’s remained a polarizing figure. His conviction was seen by many as justice served for Monica Kimani’s family, yet the current rumors suggest that closure may be elusive.

On March 13, 2024, two days after receiving a death sentence for Monicah Kimani’s murder, Joseph ‘Jowie’ Irungu filed an appeal notice. Since then, he has expressed frustration with the slow progress of the appeal process. To proceed, Jowie requires the trial record, which includes the trial’s details, the judge’s notes, the judgment, and any relevant documents for proper review.

Jowie’s lawyer, Andrew Muge, stated that nearly a year has passed without the trial record being provided. Despite repeated requests from the legal team, the court administrators have yet to release the necessary documents. As a result, Jowie’s lawyers have sought the court’s intervention to obtain the record and proceed with the appeal at the Court of Appeal.

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Interestingly, Monicah’s family’s advocate has also supported Jowie’s request for the record, urging its release. The advocate has additionally asked for certain items still in court custody to be returned. However, Jowie’s lawyer opposed the release of some items, arguing that they are exhibits, and it remains unclear whether they are part of the appeal record.

The court has scheduled a mention on January 28 to review the status of the trial record.

Monicah Kimani was tragically found murdered in her Nairobi residence, Lamuria Gardens, on September 19, 2018. She had been planning to travel to Dubai the following morning, but her body was discovered in a bathtub with her throat slit.

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In June 2024, Jowie Irungu’s father, Julius Irungu, passed away while receiving treatment for cancer at the Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital Annex. He had been battling the illness, though its type was not disclosed. Julius, 64, had attended most of Jowie’s court hearings with his wife, Anne Thama, and daughter.

Convicted murderer Jowie Irungu has filed a petition with the High Court, challenging the imposition of the death penalty, which he condemns as a degrading form of punishment.

According to Jowie, the sentencing for the Monica Kimani murder violated his non-derogable right to freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman punishment.

He argues that the method of carrying out the death penalty is torturous, cruel, and inhumane, contravening Article 25 of the constitution, which protects fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom from torture or degrading punishment.

Jowie, who has also filed a notice of appeal, is seeking the court’s declaration that section 379(4) of the criminal procedure code is unconstitutional, as it denies individuals sentenced to death the right to bail pending appeal.

The Attorney General has been named as a respondent in his petition.

Previously, the Supreme Court ruled the mandatory death sentence unconstitutional, allowing judges the discretion to choose between the death penalty and life imprisonment.

In addition to challenging the death penalty, Jowie is also seeking compensation for the violation of his rights.

Joseph Kuria Irungu, also known as Jowie, has officially lodged a notice of appeal against his conviction and subsequent death sentence in the murder case of businesswoman Monica Kimani.

The notice, prepared by his legal representative Andrew Muge, states, “Take notice that Joseph Kuria Irungu alias Jowie appeals to the Court of Appeal against the decisions of the Honourable Lady Justice Grace Nzioka whereby the Appellant was convicted of Murder and sentenced to death on March 13, 2024.”

This notice specifies that the appeal is directed against both the conviction and the imposed sentence.

The High Court handed down the death penalty to Jowie on Wednesday, March 13, for the 2018 murder of Monica Kimani, who was tragically killed in her Nairobi residence at Lamuria Gardens, Kilimani, on September 19, 2018.

Justice Nzioka emphasized that the prosecution had presented compelling evidence establishing Jowie’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in Monica’s murder.

In delivering the verdict, Justice Grace Nzioka pronounced that Jowie Irungu “shall suffer death as provided for the offence of murder under Section 204 of the Penal Code of Kenya.”

The judge highlighted the limited options available in sentencing Irungu, which included a term of years, life imprisonment, or the death penalty.

According to Kenyan law, anyone found guilty of intentionally causing the death of another person with malice aforethought is convicted of the crime of murder.

Joseph Irungu, commonly known as Jowie, faced his mother’s defense after being sentenced to death by Justice Grace Nzioka of the High Court for the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani.

Jowie’s mother, breaking her silence after the ruling, staunchly maintained her son’s innocence.

“My son is innocent and has not committed any crime. He has not killed anyone. I believe in a God of second chances, and He will deliver him. That’s why you see me so strong. He’s like Joseph; Joseph was sentenced like this, but God later delivered him,” expressed Jowie Irungu’s mother.

Justice Nzioka’s pronouncement came on Wednesday, ordering that Jowie suffer death unless the sentence is overturned by a higher court.

The verdict followed the court’s determination of Jowie’s guilt in Kimani’s murder, a conclusion reached by Justice Nzioka in February, where the prosecution convincingly demonstrated Jowie’s culpability beyond reasonable doubt.

Originally scheduled for Friday, March 8, Jowie’s sentencing was postponed to Wednesday.

Monica Kimani tragically lost her life on the night of September 19, 2018, at her Lamuria Gardens residence in Nairobi.

“After thoroughly reviewing the evidence, this court finds that the prosecution has presented sufficient evidence and met the required threshold… It is this court’s finding that the first accused person indeed murdered the deceased,” pronounced Justice Grace Nzioka.

Meanwhile, former TV news anchor Jacque Maribe, co-accused with Jowie, was acquitted of the murder charge, with Nzioka noting that murder wasn’t the appropriate charge due to the prosecution’s failure to place Maribe at the crime scene.

Musician Jowie Irungu has been sentenced to death on his final hearing following Monica Kimani’s death. Even though his fiancee Jaqcue Maribe was among the suspects, she was released after she was found not guilty.

The decision was made by high court judge Justice Nzioka, who issued a dea th sentence on March 13th after delays due to late submissions from involved parties.

Family Reacts

His amily, which was in tow during his hearing, seemed not shaken by the decision, but maintained that Jowie was innocent over the incident.

His mother claimed that he was still innocent despite the ruling, adding that he would be released despite the decision.

”My son Jowie Irungu ni innocent. Hajafanya kosa yoyote. Hajaua. Kuna God of seconnd chances. Na atamtoa. He is like Josepph. Ahululumiwa hivi na Mungu akamtoa. Naamini Mungu atamtoa wakati wake ukifika.”

Jowies hearing has taken several months; and he has finally been given the final ruling. He will now spend the whole of his life in prison

High court judge Justice Nzioka has issued a death sentence on March 13th after delays due to late submissions from involved parties.

Important Note: Death sentences in Kenya are automatically converted to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or probation.

Judges hold the authority to determine an appropriate sentence within the legal framework.

Shortly after the deferral of his sentencing to March 13th, 2024, Joseph Irungu, also known as Jowie, released a new track titled “I Believe.”

In the song, Jowie expresses that each day presents a new challenge, and he is striving to maintain his sanity amidst the countless thoughts swirling in his head. Despite facing tough times, he affirms his commitment to continue praising God through his music.

“Itakugharimu nini na Mungu halipishi kodi. I’m going on with my good deeds, kamwe sitowacha kukuimbia. Through the dark nights, through dark days, and when I close my eyes, I close my eyes and pray,” sings part of the lyrics.

The song has quickly garnered over 3,000 views and received more than 100 comments, with many urging him to hang in there, emphasizing that God is a God of second chances, while others question how he can keep releasing new songs.

In February 2024, High Court Judge Grace Nzioka announced that Jowie would be sentenced on March 8, but his lawyers asked for more time to respond to submissions made by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Jowie was convicted and sentenced for the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani, a crime he committed on the evening of September 19, 2018.

Meanwhile, former TV news anchor Jacque Maribe, who faced charges alongside him, was acquitted of murder, with the judge mentioning that the murder charge was not the most appropriate accusation the prosecution could have levied against her.

Shortly after the verdict, he released a song dubbed Nakuabudu (I worship you), which was loaded with spiritual themes. Part of the song lyrics included phrases like, “Nakubudu, Nakusujudu, ni wewe, Yesu milele (I worship you, I bow to you, it’s you, Jesus, forever).”

Monica was found with her throat cut from one ear to the other, an act investigators believe was carried out by someone with significant skill, as her wrists and ankles were tied with straps before the heinous killing.

Justice Nzioka indicated in the verdict that the prosecution had successfully demonstrated through circumstantial evidence that Jowie was responsible for the murder.

It is not clear whether the convict is recording these songs from prison or had done so earlier.

In the ongoing trial concerning the murder of Monica Kimani, Justice Grace Nzioka has highlighted pivotal evidence regarding the clothing worn by the first accused, Jowie Irungu, on the day of the tragic incident.

During court proceedings, Justice Nzioka underscored the significance of corroborative evidence, which strengthens the prosecution’s case. Testimony from a witness named Pamela provided crucial details, indicating that Jowie was dressed in a white shirt with patterns, a maroon cap, and brown shorts when he left the premises.

“The prosecution produced brown shorts and a maroon cap. They were shown to the witness, and they said they resembled what he was wearing,” stated Justice Nzioka.

Furthermore, additional witnesses confirmed Jowie’s attire, reinforcing the prosecution’s claims. Justice Nzioka highlighted the consistency among testimonies, emphasizing that multiple witnesses identified the same clothing items worn by Jowie on the day of the incident.

Addressing the debated issue of the brown shorts, Justice Nzioka clarified that, although there was a dispute over the color description, the presence of the maroon cap was consistently acknowledged by all witnesses.

“In every witness’s account, the maroon cap emerged. There is no evidence disputing its ownership by the accused,” remarked Justice Nzioka.

Based on the corroborative testimonies and tangible evidence presented in court, Justice Nzioka affirmed the veracity of Jowie’s attire on the day Monica Kimani was murdered.

In addition to confirming Jowie’s clothing, the court also established that Jowie had prior acquaintance with Monica Kimani, contradicting his earlier claims of unfamiliarity with the victim before her demise.

Jowie Irungu, the primary accused in Monica Kimani’s murder trial, has been facing charges since 2018, alongside Jacque Maribe, his co-accused.

Justice Nzioka further affirmed that the court has confirmed Joseph ‘Jowie’ Irungu’s presence in the residence of the late Monica Kimani. The judge emphasized that sufficient evidence pointed to Jowie as the last individual witnessed with Monica at her Lamuria Gardens residence.