Lady Justice Grace Nzioka has decided to postpone the sentencing of Joseph Irungu, popularly known as Jowie, who was convicted for the murder of Nairobi businesswoman Monica Kimani.

The delay comes as a result of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the victim's family, and Jowie's legal team submitting their arguments late.

Justice Nzioka explained that the ODPP filed its submissions, including a pre-sentencing report, on the previous evening, while the victim's family submitted theirs on the morning of the preceding Friday.

Given these last-minute submissions, Jowie's legal representatives did not have sufficient time to review and respond adequately.

Acknowledging the circumstances, Jowie's legal team requested additional time to examine the submissions and prepare their response.

In response, Justice Nzioka granted the extension, instructing all parties to finalize their submissions by the end of Monday, March 11.

The sentencing for Jowie is now rescheduled for Wednesday, March 13.

"I began with a disclaimer that I am not the one accused of adjourning this matter, but ultimately, I am the one driving it. It is only right to apologize for any inconvenience caused," Justice Nzioka remarked.

She expressed hope that there would be no further delays and emphasized the importance of concluding the matter on the scheduled judgment day.

The Case Background

Jowie was found guilty of the murder of Monica Kimani, which occurred on September 19, 2018.

In a ruling issued on February 9, 2024, Justice Grace Nzioka concluded that the prosecution had convincingly demonstrated Jowie's involvement in the crime.

The judge highlighted several compelling factors, including Jowie's actions before and after the murder. Notably, he was found to have used someone else's identity card to gain access to Kimani's apartment on the day of the incident, indicating premeditation.

Additionally, Jowie was the last known person to have been with the victim before her death, invoking the Doctrine of Last Seen, which presumes responsibility on the last person seen with the deceased unless explained otherwise.

Moreover, forensic analysis of bloodstains found on Jowie's clothing confirmed the presence of the victim's blood.

Jowie's former fiancée, former Citizen TV anchor Jacque Maribe, was also charged initially but was later acquitted of all charges.