Murder suspect Jowie suffers nerve injury, in need of physiotherapy

Murder suspect Joseph Irungu alias Jowie and Journalist Jacque Maribe after an appearance in court. [Photo: Courtesy]

Murder suspect Joseph Irungu alias Jowie suffered a nerve injury affecting his hand, court heard today.

When the parties appeared before Deputy Registrar Rose Aganya on Tuesday, Benjamin Wabwire, a Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) said Jowie’s wound requires months to heal.

“The most critical bit about him is that a part of his limb might end up in permanent problem if joints stiffen in one position. Therapy will be important,” said Wabwire.

He tabled a medical examination report in court saying that some parts close to Jowie’s shoulder may not recover soon but will require several months.

The doctor said that he has prescribed some medications and the injuries in his arm cannot be as serious issue if all measures needed are taken care of.

He told court that Jowie has an “obvious weakness” of the hand.

The surgeon revealed that Irungu suffered from a condition known as ‘shock wave’ and warned that if he does not get therapy, he might end up with ‘permanent problems’.

According to Dr. Wabwire, the suspect does not need surgery but urgently requires physiotherapy to stimulate the affected nerves.

The Prosecution team on its part stated that they are not in a position to direct the doctor on court matters and urged the judge to summon the KNH Chief Executive.

Jowie suffered an injury on his left arm in September, around the same time that the body of Monica Kimani was discovered at her apartment in Lamuria Gardens, Kilimani.

He is in remand at the Kamiti Maximum Prison. Hearing into the murder case will continue on February 28, 2019.