New twist as Jowie mysteriously moved from Kamiti to Voi prison

Joseph ‘Jowie’ Irungu, the main suspect in the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani, was on Friday transferred to Manyani Maximum Prison in Voi from Kamiti under mysterious circumstances.

According to sources at Kamiti Maximum Prison where Jowie has been held for the past year, the unceremonious transfer was effected after he was allegedly found with contraband.

However, speaking to the Nation, Jowie’s mother – Anastacia – expressed concern over the move saying “It’s like they want to do something to him.”

“The prison officer says it’s a normal transfer but our lawyer says he has never heard of something like that,” she said.

Jowie’s lawyer, Prof. Hassan Nandwa, also told the local daily that he had not filed any application for his transfer from Nairobi to the Taita Taveta County prison.

The suspect is set to spend the second Christmas in remand pending a ruling on his bail application next year.

Justice James Wakiaga on November 28 directed that Jowie remain in custody until February 13, 2020 when a ruling on his bail application will be made.

Meanwhile, the hearing of the murder case against Jowie and his co-accused journalist Jacque Maribe will resume in March 2020.

Fifteen witnesses have so far testified in the murder trial with 10 more expected to take the stand.

Jowie, who has been in remand since September 2018, filed a bail application on November 21 claiming he was suffering at the Kamiti Maximum Prison.

He pleaded with the court to consider the time he has already been in custody and free him.

The suspect, whose previous bail applications have been denied, further sought to assure the court that if released “I have no intent to go anywhere.”

“My second accused (Jacque Maribe) was granted bail and she never absconded court. I deserve the same,” he said.

Maribe was freed on bail in October 2018, with the court denying Jowie bail on grounds that he was a flight risk and was likely to intimidate witnesses.