Recently overboard in love with each other couple demonstrated non of that at the court stand today as Citizen TV anchor Jacque Maribe reunited with her fiancé Joseph Irungu, alias Jowie, in court on Tuesday, but they largely ignored each other.
Ms Maribe on several occasions was captured snubbing Jowie as she worked on demonstrating composure to the best of her ability. The two arrived at Milimani Law Court separately to face charges for the murder of Monica Kimani.
Ms Maribe arrived accompanied by her lawyer Katwa Kigen, while Mr Irungu was with his lawyer Cliff Ombeta
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji on Tuesday said he has sanctioned murder charges against the duo after reviewing the evidence gathered by detectives so far.
The two suspects were presented in court on Tuesday morning and were seen furtively communicating in the dock.
“I am satisfied that there exists a prima facie case to warrant criminal prosecution,” Mr Haji stated. “I have therefore directed that they be immediately arraigned before the High Court and charged accordingly.”
Mr Mwangi Maribe, the father of Citizen TV anchor Jacque Maribe, broke cover for the first since his daughter was arrested alongside her lover, Mr Joseph Irungu, over the murder of Monica arguing she is a victim of love and circumstances and police were seeking to “become famous” by prosecuting her because she is a celebrity.
“Police want to become famous by nailing a celebrity. That is why my daughter is in custody. Her neighbour, Brian Kassaine, also has a partner. Why is she not in custody? Her biggest mistake was falling in love,”
Itumbi took to Twitter minutes after Justice Jesse Lessit ordered Ms Maribe to be remanded, to explain why he is seeking divine intervention for Maribe and Monica’s family.
“Jacqueline Maribe, you remain in my prayers. May Justice, like many waters be done. May Monica & her family find the answers they deserve & those responsible be punished as per by law established. But may you find Justice, that you equally deserve. You got my hand of friendship,” he twitted
The Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji ordered their trial over murder of Monica Kimani, who was killed in her house in Kilimani, Nairobi on September 19.
Mr Irungu’ hand was in a sling because of a gunshot wound and was chewing gum while on the dock.His lawyer told the court that the arm is paralyzed and swollen as he produced a referral note from Nairobi Hospital to Kenyatta National Hospital.
During an interview with NTV, Mr Irungu’s parents said police officers have denied him access to medical treatment since his arrest.
The High Court has ordered suspects Jacque Maribe and her fiancé Joseph Irungu detained until Monday after a mental assessment was ordered for the television journalist.Monday they will take pleas for the murder of Monica Kimani
Ms Maribe will undergo the test at Mathari Hospital in Nairobi. Justice Jessi Lessit said the suspect cannot be called upon take plea without a mental examination. This is to determine if she can stand a murder trial.
Secretary of Digital Innovation and Diaspora in the Office of the President Dennis Itumbi is now in prayers as Citizen TV’s Jacque Maribe heads to Lang’ata Women Prison.
Justice Jesse Lessit ordered Ms Maribe to be remanded at Lang’ata Women Prison, while Jowie will be remanded at Industrial Area Remand Prison
Justice Lessit also allowed Jowie to seek medical treatment in hospital for the gunshot wound on his shoulder.