Jowie given bail after 18 months in custody over murder

Joseph Irungu alias Jowie has finally been given bail after languishing in prison since 2018 when he was arrested and charged with the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani.

Justice James Wakiaga released Jowie on a cash bail of Sh2 million and ordered him not to comment on the murder case, including on digital and mainstream media.

"There are no compelling reasons to deny the accused person bail term," ruled Justice Wakiaga on Thursday.

The murder suspect has also been ordered to report to the area chief every end month until the conclusion of the case.

"The circumstances have already changed since the key witnesses have testified," added Justice Wakiaga.

The judge also ordered Jowie to deposit his passport in court and not to contact witnesses in the case.

"What should be considered is the strength of the prosecution case, it's not a ground alone to deny the accused bail, said Justice Wakiaga.

Jowie's fight for bail

On November 28, 2019, Jowie filed a fresh application to be released on bond, arguing that protected witnesses had already testified and that his siblings would accommodate him.

His initial application to be granted bail was rejected for various reasons, including lack of a permanent address.

While in prison, Jowie sued the state accusing the state and the Commissioner of Prisons of "inhumane treatment" in a case filed by his lawyer on December 13, 2019.

Jowie's prolonged stay in prison as an accused person raised eyebrows in the wake of the release on bail of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino who was charged with attempted murder for shooting a DJ in Nairobi.

The former security consultant was charged with murder alongside journalist Jacque Maribe, for the killing of 28-year-old Monica Kimani.

Kimani was found dead in her rented apartment at Lamura Gardens in Nairobi in September 2018.