Murder convict Jowie Irungu has expressed frustration over delays in receiving his trial record, which he needs to pursue his appeal.
Jowie was convicted and sentenced to death on March 13 last year for the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani. Circumstantial evidence tied Jowie to the murder.
Shortly after, he filed a notice of appeal, intending to challenge the entire decision of the trial judge.
To move forward with the appeal, Jowie, who sits at Kamiti Prison, needs the trial record, which includes the judge’s notes, the judgment, and other important documents.
However, despite efforts from his legal team to contact the court administrators, they have yet to receive the necessary records.
His lawyer, Andrew Muge, urged the court to intervene, stating that the delay is preventing Jowie from taking further steps in his appeal.
The advocate representing Monica Kimani’s family agreed that the trial record is crucial, but also raised concerns about the release of certain items like mobile phones still in court custody.
Jowie’s lawyer disagreed, stating that the items in question might be exhibits and should not be released unless they are part of the appeal records.
How did Monica Kimani Die?
Monica Kimani was found murdered in her apartment in Lamuria Gardens, Nairobi, on September 19, 2018.
She had been preparing to travel to Dubai the next day.
Her throat had been slit, and the nature of the injury suggested the murder was deliberate and planned.
Judge Grace Nzioka, in her ruling, stated that the crime was not accidental or defensive, but rather intentional and executed with precision.
“The person who killed her had some training,” the judge said, referencing the severity of the injuries.
The court has scheduled a mention of the case on January 28 to check on the status of the trial record.