Bishop Paul Ngarama, the father of the late Monicah Kimani, is preparing to undertake a poignant visit to the prison where Jowie Irungu resides following his sentencing. Despite being continents away in the United States, Ngarama remains resolute in his commitment to initiating a dialogue with Irungu, whom he regards as akin to a son.
In an exclusive interview with Jeremy Damaris on Kenya Diaspora Media, Ngarama expressed his intention to use this visit as a catalyst for peace-building among the three families directly impacted by the tragic events of Monicah Kimani's murder.
"When I go back to Kenya, I will visit Jowie in prison and have a conversation because he is like my son," Ngarama stated. "I want this to be part of the reconciliation process among the three families — that of Jowie, Jackie Maribe (who was acquitted in the murder), and my family. We must preach forgiveness and let the matter rest."
Ngarama candidly shared the arduous journey towards forgiveness, acknowledging the profound pain of losing a child and the challenging process of seeking solace in divine guidance.
"After going through the pain of losing a child, I asked God many questions. God told me to forgive the killer(s), and I even wrote a book about forgiveness titled 'Endurance in Grief'," he revealed. "Forgiveness was the hardest decision to make, but it is necessary for closure."
The High Court's verdict on Wednesday, March 13, delivered a sentence of death to Jowie for the 2018 murder of Monicah Kimani. The brutal incident shook Nairobi, with Kimani found murdered in her residence at Lamuria Gardens, Kilimani, on September 19, 2018.
Justice Grace Nzioka, presiding over the case, emphasized the prosecution's presentation of sufficient evidence beyond reasonable doubt, leading to the conviction of Jowie Irungu for Monica's murder.
"In sentencing Irungu, there were only three options: a term of years, life imprisonment, or death," Justice Nzioka stated. "Under the law of Kenya, anyone who intentionally, with malice aforethought, causes the death of another person is guilty of the crime of murder."
Ngarama's forthcoming visit to Jowie in prison symbolizes a profound act of forgiveness and reconciliation in the wake of tragedy, aiming to bridge the chasm between grieving families and foster healing amidst profound loss.
