Former Citizen TV news anchor Jacque Maribe has been acquitted in the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani.
Justice Grace Nzioka while delivering her judgement on Friday, February 9 said there was no sufficient evidence Maribe was involved in the murder which took place on September 19, 2018.
Nzioka also noted that the charge against Maribe was not proper and there was no evidence she communicated with the slain businesswoman.
However, she noted that Maribe gave inconsistent reports over an alleged shooting incident of her former boyfriend Joseph Irungu alias Jowie.
“The second accused is acquitted of the offense,” Justice Nzioka ruled.
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On the other hand, Jowie was found guilty of killing Monica Kimani at her apartment in Nairobi.
The High Court Judge noted that it was proven beyond reasonable doubt that the deceased’s death was not accidental.
Evidence presented before the court established that Jowie used another person’s ID to access Monica Kimani's apartment.
"Having considered the evidence in this matter it is the finding of this court that the prosecution has adduced adequate evidence and has met the threshold.... It is the finding of this court that the first accused person murdered the deceased," Justice Nzioka ruled.
The late businesswoman was found dead at her apartment in Lamuria Gardens Apartment in Kilimani leading to the subsequent arrest and charging of Maribe and Irungu.
During the trial, 35 witnesses testified against Maribe and Jowie.
Reacting to Maribe's acquittal in the case, Dennis Itumbi advised Maribe to rise up despite losing time during the murder case.
"Jacque Maribe, like a phoenix, now you have only one duty, rise from the ashes, for time may be lost, but not the essence of your being. As your friends, our collective hands extend to hold you as you take the next steps," said Itumbi.
