Murder Suspect Joseph “Jowie” Irungu in court.
Jowie Irungu might have been granted his heart’s deepest desires when a Nairobi court granted him bail and bond terms for his release but getting the Ksh. 2 million has become a mountain too high to climb for Jacque Maribe’s ex-lover as his friends and family have not been able to raise the funds.
Jowie, who was arrested in September 2018 over the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani, was granted bail on Thursday, February 13, after spending over 18 months in jail.
Immediately after he was granted bail, his friends and family launched an online fundraising initiative to raise the money but it wasn’t to be.
“We have raised KSh. 80, 000 so far through the funds-collection initiative. A good part of that money, was raised by Joseph’s friends. Most sent at least KSh. 100 or KSh. 200. I urge Kenyans to share with us any amount of money, and we guarantee transparency on how the funds will be used. We are not out to con anyone; we are just pleading for assistance,” said Jowie’s sister, Nelius Irungu, while speaking to K24 TV.
She further disclosed the family was considering to sell a parcel of land to raise money for the bail.
“Our dad has a parcel of land that can be sold to raise some money which will go towards securing my brother’s freedom. We are waiting for land valuers to tell us how much the land can fetch. We could use that land as part of Joseph’s bond,” she said.
Irungu had been charged alongside his former girlfriend and journalist Jacque Maribe and his earlier efforts to get bail were futile because he was considered a flight risk and had no permanent residence or gainful employment besides being a threat to key witnessess.
