By Mercy Imali
Joseph Irungu who is charged with the murder of Nairobi businesswoman Monica Kimani, renewed his bail application before Justice James Wakiaga.
Mr Irungu told the High Court judge that his circumstances had changed and that his family was willing to deposit security. His lawyer David Ayuo said a relative had offered to house him and ensure that he attends court.
Mr Ayuo noted that this client cannot interfere with witnesses as they are under protection by the State. He added that Mr Irungu cannot travel since police have his passport.
State prosecutor Catherine Mwaniki opposed the application, saying the accused had not presented new grounds in the application.
She stated that the accused is a threat to witnesses despite their protection and he is a firearm handler, so his application should be rejected until they all testify.
Ms Mwaniki also pointed out that Mr Irungu sent a threatening message to Ms Kimani’s brother a day before she was killed
She further told the court that Mr Irungu has no fixed aboard and if released, will skip bail and flee from the country.
Justice Wakiaga directed Mr Irungu to appear before Justice Jessie Lessit on May 29 for directions on the hearing. He will decide on the fresh bail plea on June 18.
Mr Irungu is charged alongside Citizen Television journalist Jacqueline Maribe, who was freed on October 2018.