Joseph “Jowie” Irungu, the main suspect in the unresolved murder of Kenyan businesswoman Monica Kimani was on Thursday freed on a Ksh. 2 million cash bail.
High Court Judge, Justice James Wakiaga, ruled that there were no compelling reasons to have the suspect detained any longer since up to 15 witnesses have already testified.
The judge, however, cautioned Irungu against commenting on media and social media platforms about the case.
He was also asked to report to his area chief every last Thursday of every month, with the judge directing his chief to make monthly reports to the court’s deputy registrar.
Irungu was ordered to deposit his passport in court and received a warning against getting a new passport or any other travel document pending his trial.
Moments after this announcement was made, his friends, led by social media influencer Joe Muchiri, have launched a “Paybill Number” and requested Kenyans to contribute as little as they can towards the release of the man whose last taste of freedom came in September 2018.
we are mobilizing for Jowie’s bail money granted by court which amounts to KSHS. 2,000,000/- we are kindly requesting for ur help in this time of need. If U can please send whatever U can to paybill 600100 account no. is 0100005024484 Stanbic Bank Please RT.
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As expected, the move was met by a significant amount of negative responses, with many Kenyans finding it hard to understand how Jowie’s friends – often seen living their best lives in various city joints – couldn’t raise the amount on their own.
mnazunguka kila club nairobi monday to monday mkikunywa ma boti exotic lakini small small bail money hamwezi raise.
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I think the Fuck Not ... Ambieni 1824 wawape profits zao twitter.com/joewmuchiri1/s…
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Mrs Reverend's other Tweets
Mrs Reverend's other TweetsImagine sending your own hard-earned money to bail out a murderer lol....
Could never be me. twitter.com/JoeWMuchiri1/s…
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You guys cant be serious! Fundraising for bail money??! twitter.com/JoeWMuchiri1/s…
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Alafu next week mtuoneshe vile mmespend 300k Kwa club FOH twitter.com/JoeWMuchiri1/s…
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Same character who faked his father's death and now wanted for murder1?
..This crowd of 1824 are something interestingtwitter.com/JoeWMuchiri1/s…
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Some didn’t seem to have a problem with it and even shared excerpts of their generous donations online.
OBD01Z9Z1O Confirmed. Ksh150.00 sent to Stanbic Bank for account 0100005024484 on 13/2/20 at 12:12 PM New M-PESA balance is Ksh6.38. Transaction cost, Ksh23.00. Joe nimesaidia brotherman maze. twitter.com/JoeWMuchiri1/s…
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Kimani was killed in her Lamuria Gardens apartment on the night of September 19, 2018 after arriving from Juba, South Sudan, where she operated her family business and was en route to Dubai to meet her fiancé.
Television journalist Jacqueline Maribe is also facing trial alongside Jowie over the murder.
Maribe was freed on October 30, 2018 on a Ksh. 1 million cash bail or a Ksh. 2 million bond with a surety of the same amount.