Former Citizen TV journalist Jacque Maribe is facing a new hurdle after The Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) filed a notice of appeal against the High Court judgment that acquitted her in the murder case of businesswoman Monica Kimani.
Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions O.J Omondi in the appeal indicated that DPP was dissatisfied with the ruling delivered by High Court judge Grace Nzioka.
“Take notice that the Republic, the intended Appellant herein, being dissatisfied with the decision of the High Court of Kenya at Nairobi (Hon. G. Nzioka), delivered in Nairobi on the 9th of February 2024, appeals to the Court of Appeal against the part of the judgment acquitting the 2nd Accused Person,” reads the notice.
The appeal paves the way for a new legal battle days after Maribe walked free while the first accused person Jowie Irungu was found guilty in the murder of Monica Kimani.
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Justice Nzioka noted that the prosecution side failed to prove how Maribe was involved in the murder scheme of the businesswoman.
"There was no evidence that she had ever communicated with the deceased. The evidence that the prosecution has brought before this court on the second accused person relates to events of September 20, 2018, and that is the shooting incident," noted Justice Nzioka.
Justice Nzioka however pointed out that Maribe had been found to have given contradicting reports while recording her statements on how Jowie sustained a gunshot wound.
Justice Nzioka thus noted that it is upon the DPP to decide on the next course of action against the journalist.
“The office of the DPP knows their mandate. The resolve is that the prosecution did not adduce adequate evidence for this court to find the second accused person of the offence of murder of Monica Nyawira Kimani on the night of 19th September 2018. The first accused person is convicted on the charge (murder) while the second accused person is acquitted of the charge,” she made it clear.
Following her acquittal, Maribe breathed a sigh of relief indicating that the truth had finally set her free.
"I don't know if to say anything, I'll just say go read John 8:32; 'For you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free,'" Maribe said after enduring a legal battle spanning over five years.
