Citizen TV News Presenter Jacque Maribe Freed as Her Fiancée Joseph Irungu is Denied Bail

Citizen TV news presenter Jacque Maribe has been freed on bail while her fiancée Joseph 'Jowie' Irungu has been denied bail.

Maribe has been released on a Sh1 million cash bail with three sureties of similar amount or Sh2 million bond with one surety of a similar amount.

In his ruling, Justice James Wakiaga says there is no indication that the journalist is a flight risk and the prosecution failed to prove that she would interfere with witnesses.

“Based on the materials placed I am unable to agree with the prosecution that Maribe will interfere or abscond court or act in any manner prejudicial” says Justice Wakiaga.

In denying Irungu bail, Justice Wakiaga notes that he has extensively traveled to Middle East and has no known assets in the country. He further says that his willingness to surrender his passport is no guarantee that he will not jump bail.

The court further notes that Irungu has no fixed residence and his already displayed love for firearms could cause fear and intimidation among witnesses. The judge also says he is likely to interfere with the crime scene if freed.

"Being a person with specialized security training, and having handled various guns, he would pose a risk by intimidating witnesses. This court orders that the first accused person remains in custody for the period of his trial and must be accorded proper treatment," Justice Wakiaga adds.

Hearing has been set for June 18th-27th, 2019.

The two are charged with the murder Ms Monica Kimani on September 19th, 2018. The 28-year-old was killed at her apartment in Nairobi's Kilimani estate hours after returning to the country from South Sudan where she reportedly ran a family business.

Her body was found dumped inside a bathtub with the throat slit and limbs tied.