Joe Irungu is the man of the moment. He has been able to steal the spotlight from Okoth Obado. Yes, even the Migori governor has had to take a backseat after Jacque Maribe’s fiance became the prime suspect in the murder of Monica Kimani.
But who is Joe exactly? The information we have about him is sketchy at best. But there are some in the media fraternity who have decided to delve deeper into the skeletons to find out who he is.
According to an article in the Standard on Saturday, the man is a well-known well known within Jubilee party circles. He has also provided security services for some politicians during campaigns for politicians like Joyce Lay during her senate campaign last year.
Irungu is so well-connected that when he was arrested last week, several State officials visited the police station where Irungu was first held demanding his release. He was so confident, that he even told the police that his case would go nowhere!
It is known that Joe trained as a mercenary in Afghanistan. In one post of his on Instagram, Irungu alleged that his company had offices in the United Arab Emirates and the UK.
But that is not the only that Irungu is known for. Unbeknownst to most Kenyans, he has cultured a feared reputation among some neighbours.
According to the Standard, the man is so dreaded in Buru Buru where he allegedly ran a safe house that even his neighbours will not show reporters to his it, even while the man is still in a jail cell. A neighbor told the Standard:
I MOVED AWAY FROM THAT HOUSE SO I CANNOT REMEMBER IRUNGU’S EXACT HOUSE. ACTUALLY, NO ONE HERE WANTS TO TALK ABOUT HIM. IT’S TOO DANGEROUS.
Even mechanics who used to repair his car went under after reporters tried to question them. It is also alleged that he moves around with a cache of arms in the cars he has been seen driving.
Irungu has such power and clout in Buru Buru that even boda boda riders fear him. An incident occurred last year where a boda rider had the temerity to hit a black Prado Irungu was driving.
This incensed Irungu so much that he cuffed the boda rider and took him to a police station! What! Not only that! He also took the bike and impounded it for 10 months!
That last example shows serious connections that he has. One has to ask, did Jacque Maribe ever see this side of him or was it blind love?
