Maribe’s acquittal in the murder of Monicah Kimani will be appealed by the DPP

The Director of Public Prosecutions’ office has announced its intention to appeal against a High Court decision that acquitted former TV news anchor Jacque Maribe in the murder case of businesswoman Monica Kimani.

In its notice of appeal, the DPP expressed dissatisfaction with the trial Judge Grace Nzioka’s decision to acquit Maribe, and it plans to appeal the part of the judgment that led to her release.

While Maribe was acquitted last week, her co-accused Jowie Irungu was convicted of the murder and is awaiting sentencing on March 8 at Industrial Area remand.

Judge Nzioka justified Maribe’s acquittal by citing the prosecution’s failure to place her at the scene of Monica’s murder. The judge emphasized that there was no evidence indicating communication between Maribe and Monica.

Nzioka criticized the prosecution for bringing the wrong charge against Maribe, stating that the evidence only related to the September 20 shooting incident involving Jowie. The court found Maribe liable for providing false information to the police in that incident.

During the defense hearing, Maribe asserted that she was with former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko on the fateful day, denying any involvement in Kimani’s murder. She stated that her relationship with Jowie was that of cohabitation and helping him seek treatment after being shot was her constitutional right.

The judge, in acquitting Maribe, emphasized that it was the prosecution’s responsibility to prove her alibi defense, demonstrating that she was not at the scene when the crime occurred.