Citizen Tv’s Jacque Maribe and her fiance Jowie will remain in police custody for another one week. This is line with today’s court ruling.
Jacque Maribe and Joseph Irungu to remain in custody for seven days; Justice James Wakiaga rules. pic.twitter.com/42Rfkh8Qu0
— Mukami Wa Embu 🇰🇪 (@MukamiWaEmbu) October 17, 2018
The ruling was delivered by Justice James Wakiaga who took over from Justice Lesiit who dropped down from the case citing her enormous workload.
Justice James Wakiaga could be a government operative send to rescue Jacque Maribe. I see him releasing Jacque on Oct 24th bail hearing. I have my doubts on him.
— Amani Kenya ☮ (@Tibim_KE) October 17, 2018
The bail hearing for the two will now take place on the 24th of this month.
The judge offered stern warnings to journalists for writing about the issues in court and spreading propaganda about the evidence which the two are linked with.
This means that if the media heeds to the orders, reporters can only generate stories from court proceedings as opposed to relying on their sources in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the defence.
Justice Wakiaga was categorical that constant publishing of sensitive information that is central to the case has led to what he termed as unnecessary public limelight on the case that led to the previous judge Justice Jessie Lessit, to recuse herself from presiding over the case.
Justice James Wakiaga issues a warning to the media to stop publishing information relating to the Monica Irungu murder case, saying it has the potential of influencing his judgment. Also warns parties to the case to stop feeding the media with info relating to the case.
— Gabriel Oguda (@gabrieloguda) October 17, 2018
The judge also showed a stone face to lawyers who were a bit easy during Justice Lessit’s hearing.
Justice James Wakiaga must stop blocking the media from reporting on the trial of Jacque Maribe and Irungu unless he is a state agent assigned to protect the suspects. The media has a pivotal role to play in administration of justice @dkmaraga cc @ODPP_KE
— Rein (@Asamoh_) October 17, 2018
The judge publicly declared that he does not trust the lawyers who are representing both parties in the court.
tough talking people like Justice James Wakiaga are usually like shallow rooted trees planted on quick sand. They are easy to uproot and don't stand firm. Tremendous reservations on this judge. but let's wait and see, he could be different!
— S.N. Nyamao 🇰🇪 (@snnyamao) October 17, 2018
Although the judge showed a stoned face throughout the hearing , he insisted on serving justice.
Justice James Wakiaga must know and understand that Kenyans / Citizens have a right to information. Unless @StateHouseKenya wants to “save” their reporter Jacque Maribe and Joseph Irungu , media must actively and objectively report on the trial against the duo. @dkmaraga
— Rein (@Asamoh_) October 17, 2018
The High Court judge stated that the public limelight on the case might lead to bias and if the event Maribe and Irungu are released they might sue the media for damages
Justice James Wakiaga warns media of reporting Jacque Maribe and Joseph Irungu case. This is the first sign of hiding the truth & the goings on to the public, including bribery. Justice Jessie Lessit couldn't sustain the pressure! And is there justice in Kenya?
— Hon. Dismas Kogo (@Dismoh) October 17, 2018
“Between the prosecution and the investigators who is in love with the press?” Justice Wakiaga asked Ms. Mwaniki appearing for the prosecution.
Justice James Wakiaga: I am an old-school judge… if I am influenced before a case, I get upset https://t.co/kdcO8a7pto via @TheStarKenya
— Treats By Muthoni (@treatsKE) October 17, 2018
The judge further ordered, “The court directs the media that from now on when this file is before me those statements you keep writing about what you have done, what you have not done, the money which has not been collected and recovered, for now you stop writing about that”