The High Court has postponed the verdict of former TV news anchor Jackie Maribe and her ex-fiance Jowie Irungu, who are charged with the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani, for the second time.
The judgment, which was initially scheduled for October 6, 2023, was first deferred to December 15, 2023, after Trial Judge Grace Nzioka fell ill.
However, on Friday, a new twist emerged as the judge announced that she needed more time to examine the exhibits that were crucial for her decision.
She said she received three sacks of exhibits, including clothing, bottles, and other items, on Thursday evening, after requesting them on Monday.
“I took time to write the judgement. We’ve made progress. But on Monday I discovered that when the file was sent to me not all exhibits were sent to me,” explained the judge, expressing her apology for the inconvenience caused.
The new date for the verdict has been rescheduled to January 26, 2024.
Before the new date was agreed upon, Jowie had fervently pleaded with the court to expedite the judgment before the Christmas, arguing that it had been a long and agonizing wait for him and his family.
Maribe and Jowie have been on trial since 2018 for the murder of Kimani, whose body was found in a bathtub at her apartment in Kilimani, Nairobi, on September 19, 2018.
The murder case of Monica Kimani has attracted public interest and media attention since 2018, as it involves prominent personalities and shocking revelations.
The delay in the verdict has added more suspense and uncertainty to the outcome of the trial but we will continue to follow this story and provide you with the latest updates as they happen.
