Former TV anchor Jacque Maribe and her ex-fiancé Joseph Irungu alias “Jowie” have been dealt a fresh blow after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) told the court they both have a case to answer in the murder of the late businesswoman, Monica Kimani.
In her submissions on behalf of the prosecution, Assistant DPP Gikui Gichuhi noted that all events leading to the murder and subsequent lies made by Maribe to the police show that she planned with Jowie to kill Monica.
According to Ms Gichuhi, Maribe and Jowie were principal offenders, had a common intention and acted in concert to eliminate the deceased person.
The state has also told the court to consider the fact that Maribe made no attempt to disassociate herself from the actions of Jowie and instead helped get rid of the evidence.
“The demeanour of Jowie and Maribe should also be taken into account at the time of investigations which entailed giving false information to the police during the trial where the accused in some cases missed court proceedings or did not comply with bail conditions granted,” Gichuhi said.
She also told the court that the two accused worked in conjunction to ensure that Jowie had the transport, a menacing weapon and the opportunity to cause the death of the deceased.
The prosecution also asked the court to note that Maribe assisted Jowie to burn evidence outside her house, which suggests that she knew Jowie had gone to Monica’s house that night.
“Maribe knew that Jowie had gone to the home of the deceased on the night of September 18 and went as far as announcing the sad news on Citizen TV on August 20 2019 knowing full well what had happened,” Gichuhi added.
Gichuhi further said that at no time did she provide that information to the police in any of her statements or give the true nature of how Jowie sustained injuries in her house.
So far, the court has heard testimonies from 35 witnesses.
After considering submissions from the state, Jowie and Maribe, the court will then make a ruling on whether they will be put on their defence or acquitted.
