Amount of money raised so far for Jowie’s Ksh2M bail, sister reveals

By Lenox Sengre and Brian Okoth

The sister of Joseph Irungu -- the chief suspect in the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani -- says Ksh80, 000 has so far been raised to secure Irungu’s freedom.

This comes just a day after Irungu was freed on Ksh2 million cash bail by High Court judge James Wakiaga.

Justice Wakiaga ruled that there was no compelling reason(s) to have Irungu, alias Jowie, detained longer as 15 witnesses had already testified.

The judge cautioned Irungu against commenting on media and social media platforms about the case.

The suspect was also asked to report to his area chief every last Thursday of every month.

Justice Wakiaga directed Irungu’s chief to make monthly reports to the court’s deputy registrar. Jowie was further ordered to deposit his passport in court.

The judge warned the suspect against getting a new passport or any other travel document pending his trial. If he failed to adhere to the bail terms, his bond terms will be cancelled, warned Wakiaga.

Irungu was arrested on September 26, 2018 over the murder of Monica Kimani, which occurred on the night of September 19, 2018 at her Lamuria Gardens apartment off Dennis Pritt Road in Kilimani.

And now, the suspect’s sister, who spoke to K24 Digital in confidence, says they are happy following Irungu’s release, but – at the same time – are wondering where they would get the Ksh2 million cash bail from.

“I thank God that my brother was granted bail by the courts. Joseph is currently detained at Kamiti [Maximum Prison] as we strive to raise the bail. I am pleading with Kenyans to help us raise the needed Ksh2 million that will secure my brother’s freedom,” said the sister.

Immediately after the courts freed Jowie on bail, one of his friends, radio presenter Joe Muchiri, took to social media and asked members of the public to help in raising the bail money.

“We are mobilising for Jowie’s bail money granted by court which amounts to Ksh2, 000, 000. We are kindly requesting for your help in this time of need. If you can, please send whatever you can to Paybill No. 600100; Account No. is 0100005024484 Stanbic Bank,” Muchiri tweeted shortly after the court ruling.

Ksh80, 000

Jowie’s sister says Ksh80, 000 has so far been raised through that initiative.

“We have raised Ksh80, 000 so far through the funds-collection initiative. A good part of that money, was raised by Joseph’s friends. Most sent at least Ksh100 or Ksh200,” said Jowie’s sister.

“I am also requesting his friends to fundraise for Joseph’s bail. I can promise that the money raised will be used appropriately. If one will have questions on how we have used their contribution, we’ll be more than willing to make available the receipts and bank statements.

“I urge Kenyans to share with us any amount of money, and we guarantee transparency on how the funds will be used. We are not out to con anyone; we are just pleading for assistance,” added Jowie’s sister.

The informant tells us that it was all song and dance after the court freed Jowie on bail Thursday.

“We are relieved that he is half-way out. Yesterday (Thursday, February 13), his other relatives were happy by Joseph’s release on bail. We have faith that the needed Ksh2 million will be raised."

Land

“Our dad has a parcel of land that can be sold to raise some money which will go towards securing my brother’s freedom. We are waiting for land valuers to tell us how much the land can fetch. We could use that land as part of Joseph’s bond.

“My dad does not have brothers, so he has to struggle on his own to post the bail or bond.

“We would recommend Joseph Irungu goes for counselling after he is released. We are not sure what he was subjected to when he was in remand. As a family, we will stand by him,” said Jowie’s sister.