Former news anchor Jacque Maribe, who is standing trial in the murder of Monica Kimani, disclosed to a Nairobi court Thursday that she learned of the businesswoman’s death while reading the news bulletin on TV.
On Thursday, Maribe who took to the stand told the court that she had no motive to want her dead.
Maribe told trial Judge Grace Nzioka that she did not know Monica. And explained that she only got to know her on the day she read the news item regarding her death.
“Is it your evidence to this court that you know nothing about the killing of Monica?” she was asked.
“I know nothing about the death of Monica and I did not kill her. I learnt about her death when I was reading a news bulletin. I urge this court to acquit me,” Maribe stated as she rested her defense.
She took the court through her movements on the day the offense is alleged to have occurred.
She said on September 19, 2018, she left her residence at Royal Park for work. Her then fiancé Jowie drove her to RMS at around 8 am. The court heard that she was at RMS the whole day up until 9.30 pm.
Maribe said as she was leaving, she met former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko’s entourage who was scheduled to attend an interview with Jeff Koinange.
Sonko speaks
Former Governor Mike Sonko has said that he was with Jacque on the bight that Monica Kimani was murdered.
“On this matter, if I’m summoned by the court, I’ll tell the truth and nothing but the truth. Na kwa mukhtasari tu (in summary) I’m not the type of friend who disowns his friends at times of trouble. It’s true that l was with Jacque Maribe at Citizen TV when I was being interviewed on the JKL show on the 19th of September, 2018, from about 9:45 pm. I was accompanied by Chela Ruto, Hon. Juju, Hon. Nancy, Hon. Anita and other male friends by then Odhis, Show, Swaleh, Pinye, among others,” Sonko tweeted.
“After the show, I volunteered to take all those who were with me for kamvinyo and nyama choma which belonged to my friend… Tulipiga sherehe kwanza mimi nilikuwa na piga Hennesiree Vsop na majiree na (We partied and I was taking Hennessy Vsop and water) around 4 am I left for home. Since hii Mushene was there from the day Jacque was arrested, I managed to download the CCTV ya the club. Iko.”
He added
Sonko said he does not know Jowie.
“However, I do not know Jowie Irungu. Let the law take its course. That’s is all I wish to state,” he said.
The interview
By Wanjiru Mbaru