Joseph Irungu alias Jowie has been sentenced to death after he was found guilty of the 2018 murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani.

High Court judge Grace Nzioka ruled that the horrific murder of Monica Kimani was intentional, planned, intended and executed by Jowie.

“Based on everything I have said, I have ordered that the first accused person, being Joseph Kuria Irungu alias Jowie, shall suffer death as provided for the offense of murder under Section 204 of the Penal Code of Kenya,” ruled the Judge.

The Judge ruled that Jowie was ineligible for rehabilitation as it wouldn’t serve the purpose.

“A non-custodial sentence serves the purpose of providing an accused person with an opportunity for rehabilitation. Is this accused person eligible for rehabilitation? My answer was in the negative, for the simple reason that a person who is given rehabilitation must first and foremost acknowledge the commission of the offense and the need to reform. Without that attitude, there will be no need to consider rehabilitation,” she ruled.

In the pre-sentence report, the prosecution stated that a serious weapon was used and that attempts were made to conceal evidence after the crime. The prosecution is now asking the court to impose the death sentence.

“The murder was committed in cold blood. No amount of money can bring the deceased back to life. Monica’s death has ruined the family business in South Sudan, which was the only source of income for the family.

In mitigation, Jowie pleaded for leniency and asked Justice Grace Nzioka for a custodial sentence, saying he was a first-time offender. He said he was aware that nothing he said at this stage would ease the pain of the families. He also said that he understood that financial compensation could not alleviate the pain.