The key suspect in the murder of Monica Kimani, Joseph ‘Jowie’ Irungu, on Tuesday made a surprise u-turn after he withdrew a petition seeking the dismissal of Justice James Wakiaga for referring to him as a slay-king and a woman-eater.

Irungu made the decision even before the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) could listen to the petition occasioned by Justice Wakiaga’s ruling on the bail application made by the two suspects in the case.

The Judge allowed Jacque Maribe to be granted bail while Irungu was to be held in remand for the entire period of the trial.

Jowie's legal team said the application had been made hurriedly, saying they were comfortable with Justice Wakiaga continuing with case.

Wakiaga took over the murder case after no-nonsense judge Jessie Lesiit withdrew from the matter.