What if jowie dies in our hands? Judge asks Kamiti Prison officials

High court judge James Wakiaga was not impressed with the way Kamiti Prison officials had treated murder suspect Joseph ‘Jowie’ Irungu.

Jowie pleaded not guilty to the brutal murder of business woman Monicah Kimani. She was discovered dumped in her bathtub, hands bound, mouth tapped shut and throat slit – ear to ear.

Jowie was denied bail and is currently housed in remand at Kamiti Prison. He appeared in court  on November 27 where he asked the court to order that he gets treatment for his left arm as soon as possible.

I’m being tortured in prison – Jowie tells judge

A prisons officer said the prison vehicle he could use to take Jowie to hospital would be at the Kibera Law Courts until 5pm.

He said the judge’s suggestion that Jowie’s family get a private car to take him to hospital accompanied by security officers was not possible, saying the accused could be taken to hospital only in a prison vehicle.

“We cannot hold a man in need of medication. What if he dies in our hands? Is it possible to allow the family to produce a car and prisons to provide guard. I order that the accused be admitted at KNH today, whether the Government owes KNH money or not,” ordered Wakiaga.

A medical report shows Jowie could end up with a collapsed lung and pneumonia if not attended to in good time.

A mother’s love! See what Jacque Maribe’s mum did for Jowie in court (Photo)

Justice Wakiaga said he would consider freeing Jowie on bond on Monday next week if the prosecution, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and prison authorities do not have his left hand — usually in a sling and now smelly — treated by then.

“This order must be served to the chief executive officer at KNH. However, if he is not treated by December 3, I will review the decision to deny him bond, notwithstanding the hospital’s debt owed by prisons,” the judge said.

Justice Wakiaga allowed Jowie’s request to withdraw the application seeking to have him remove himself from the case after the judge described the accused as a “woman eater”.

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