In a harrowing battle for justice, Jowie Irungu has taken a courageous stand against a fate that seemed stacked against him.
The Murder convict has petitioned the High Court seeking to have the death penalty against him declared a degrading form of punishment.
On March 14th, Jowie was sentenced to death by Justice Grace Nzioka after he was found guilty of the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani.
Now he has filed a notice of appeal at the Appellate Court over his conviction and sentencing.
Jowie claims in his In his application to Milimani Law Courts that the mode in which the death penalty should be enforced is torturous, cruel and inhumane.
He added that it is prohibited under article 25 of the Kenya constitution which states that fundamental rights and freedoms may not be limited.These include freedom from torture or degrading punishment, freedom from slavery, and right to fair trial.
Jowie says that his sentencing was a violation of his non-derogable right to freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman punishment and wants the court to declare as so. He has also sued the Attorney General in his petition.
Jowie is not one to cower in the face of adversity and he is determined to fight the death sentence with confidence that the evidence will speak for itself.
In 2017, the Supreme Court declared the mandatory death sentence unconstitutional but did not outlaw it.
The ruling gave judgeโs discretion to decide whether to hand down the death sentence or life imprisonment.
His case has become a lightning rod for discussions surrounding the criminal justice system, drawing passionate debates from both supporters and skeptics alike.
The battle he faces is complex, with legal intricacies and personal stakes, making it a saga that continues to captivate audiences.
As the nation watches this high-stakes battle for justice unfold, Jowie’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of determination.
About the Author
Isaac Mbugua is a Senior Journalist and Digital News Writer at Diaspora Messenger News Media