I’ll Visit Jowie in Prison, Says Monica Kimani’s Father Paul Ngarama
Bishop Paul Ngarama, the father of the deceased Monica Nyawira Kimani, has expressed his plan to visit Joseph Irungu, also known as Jowie, who was convicted for his daughter’s murder, once he returns to Kenya.
During an interview with Kenya Diaspora Media in Seattle, Washington, Bishop Ngarama conveyed his forgiveness towards those responsible for his daughter’s death and his willingness to engage in a dialogue with Jowie.
On March 13, Irungu received a death sentence for the killing of the businesswoman at her residence in Lamuria Gardens Apartment on Kitale Lane, situated off Denis Pritt Road in Kilimani, Nairobi, which occurred on September 19, 2018.
“When I go back to Kenya, I will visit Jowie in prison and have a conversation because he is like my son,” stated Bishop Ngarama.
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“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.”
He added: “I want to spearhead reconciliation and bring the three families together. We must preach forgiveness and let the matter rest.”
Bishop Ngarama emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in bringing closure to the enduring trauma his family has faced since the tragic passing of Monica in 2018.
Bishop Ngarama is presently enrolled in a doctoral program in counseling psychology at the Full Bright Theological Seminary in the United States, to complete his studies and graduate next year.
Miriam Kimani, Monica’s mother, is also undergoing a process of healing and is approaching a sense of resolution following the recent court ruling.
“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,” said Bishop Ngarama, reflecting on his decision to forgive Monica’s killer(s).
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“For me, forgiveness was the hardest decision to make, but it is necessary for closure.”
In February, Jowie was convicted for the murder of Monica, whereas his former romantic partner and co-defendant, journalist Jacque Maribe, was cleared of charges due to lack of compelling evidence.
In her verdict delivered on March 13, Justice Grace Nzioka cited overwhelming evidence against Jowie and sentenced him to death under Section 204 of the Penal Code of Kenya.
The judge emphasized the calculated and intentional nature of the murder, as well as the profound loss inflicted upon Monica’s family and the community.
“After the commission of the offense, there was an attempt to conceal the evidence. The crime had serious psychological and physical harm to the victim and the family. The prosecution invited this court to pronounce a death sentence,” she stated while reading the judgment.
Earlier, the judge had ruled out a non-custodial sentence, saying that it would not serve any purpose.
Justice Nzioka enumerated the reasons for her decision, saying the murder was calculated and intentional, and that the attack left no possibility of the victim’s survival.
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The judge also said the loss inflicted upon Monica’s family and the community was profound.
In sentencing him to death, she further explained that she took into account issues of human rights as spelled out in Article 26 of the Constitution, which states that a person’s life should not be deprived.
Justice Nzioka further referred to the international instruments on the preservation and the right to enhance an individual’s human rights.
Jowie has since filed a notice of appeal against his conviction and death sentence.
The notice drawn by his advocate Andrew Muge and filed on March 14, states “take notice that Joseph Kuria Irungu, alias Jowie, appeals to the Court of Appeal against the decisions of the Honourable Lady
Justice Grace Nzioka whereby the appellant was convicted of murder and sentenced to death on March 13, 2024.”
I’ll Visit Jowie in Prison, Says Monica Kimani’s Father Paul Ngarama