Jowie Irungu: Kamiti prison is the worst place to be
Following his conviction for the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani, Joseph ‘Jowie’ Irungu now finds himself in prison, a location he once described as ‘a place no one would ever want to be.’
Jowie awaits his sentencing on March 8, 2024, and as per the Kenyan law could face up to life in prison.
His conviction brings to an end a six-year case in which he was briefly detained at Kamiti prison for two years after the court initially denied him bail.
In a previous interview on the Bonga and Jalas show, Jowie shared some of the challenges he faced in prison.
He paints a grim picture of Kamiti Prison, emphasising its psychological toll on inmates.
“Kamiti. Kamiti. Bro, I don’t know what to say. That name is like a small tree but it is not the way you see it,” Irungu remarked.
“Kamiti is not when people come to check on you and bring you things. People who are there believe they will be out. Those people have a lot of faith. Whether they are wrong or not, please pray for those in Kamiti. That place eats on you and sits on you psychologically and torments you.”
Despite the overwhelming challenges he faced, Jowie said he found solace in his faith and his passion for music.
He revealed that he had turned to gospel music and had stopped drinking as part of his transformation.
“Music is a silent talent,” Irungu explained.
“Before I indulged in other things, I used to sing, and I was brought up in Church where we sing. We are going through so much in life, and that is why I gave my life to God. I sing about situations. It is what happens every day. I am more cautious, and my songs mingle with what I have gone through.”
Jowie also opened up about the loss of friendships during his tumultuous journey, expressing gratitude for the support of his family amidst adversity.
“I don’t have friends; it is only family who know each other,” Irungu confessed. “All my friends let me down. Known and unknown. They let me down, and family was left to pray for me. Family knows when to remember you, and that small thing gives you hope.”
Jowie Irungu’s legal team has indicated they will appeal the ruling.
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