Joseph Irungu alias Jowie’s legal team has dismissed calls for a presidential pardon, expressing confidence that his appeal against a murder conviction will succeed.
Speaking on Tuesday, Jowie’s lead counsel Hassan Nandwa maintained that his client is pursuing justice through the courts and will not seek clemency from President William Ruto.
“There is no need for a presidential pardon. We are convinced the appeal will succeed,” Nandwa told reporters outside the Court of Appeal in Nairobi.
The remarks come weeks after Jowie was sentenced to death for the 2018 murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani. The conviction, handed down by High Court judge Grace Nzioka, sparked public debate and mixed reactions from Kenyans, with some suggesting that a presidential pardon could be a fallback option.
Appeal Process Underway
Jowie’s legal team filed a notice of appeal shortly after the sentencing and is preparing arguments based on alleged procedural errors, questions over the integrity of the evidence, and what they describe as “flawed reasoning” in the judgment.
“This case was not properly handled. We believe justice will be served at the appellate level,” said Nandwa.
The appeal process, which could take several months, will determine whether the High Court’s verdict stands or is overturned.
Public Sentiment and Legal Strategy
The call to rule out a pardon appears to be a strategic move to reinforce confidence in the judicial process and to distance the defense from political considerations. Analysts say the defense team wants to avoid any perception that Jowie is bypassing the courts or seeking political favor.
While presidential pardons are within the remit of the Head of State under Article 133 of the Constitution, they are typically granted upon the recommendation of the Advisory Committee on the Power of Mercy and are rare in high-profile murder cases.
Jowie has consistently maintained his innocence since his arrest in 2018.
