By Lauryne Akoth
Jowie Irungu’s sentencing has been pushed to Wednesday, the 13th of March, 2024.
This new development has resulted from the late submission of documents by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the victim’s family, and Jowie’s lawyer.
The judge noted that she was disappointed that the judgment had to be postponed again due to late submissions by both parties. “I am disappointed that the only document availed was a pre-sentence report. I did not have any other document to consider to prepare my judgment on sentence.”
Justice Nzioka noted that the only document submitted in court from the accused point was a notice of change of advocate and no other submissions. The justice faulted both parties for filing their documents late, hence resulting in the adjournment of the sentencing.
She lamented that the office of the ODPP filed the pre-sentencing report last evening while the victim’s family filed its submissions on Friday Morning.
“The question I would like all of you to answer to the hearing of the public is, how is the court supposed to work when we are filing documents at the time which you filed, but more critically, how is the court supposed to proceed today to enable the court to bring the final curtain on this matter today?” questioned Justice Nzioka.
The ODPP’s office apologised for the late submissions noting that it was due to unavoidable circumstances. On the other hand, Jowie’s legal representatives sought an extension from the court to address the pre-sentencing report, requesting an additional seven days.
They attributed this request to the belated submission of documents by Monica Kimani’s family and the ODPP. However, the judge turned down their request citing that it would drag the sentencing procedure.
Justice Nzioka gave Jowie’s defense council 2 days to file their submissions; by the end of the day on Monday 11th March 2024.
She noted that according to the pre-sentencing report, Jowie has no previous record of conviction therefore, he is treated as a first offender.
“Allow me to confirm that this matter has been rescheduled to the 13th of March 2024, at 11:30 a.m”
She concluded by apologizing for the inconveniences caused by the delay of Jowie’s sentencing.