Editor's Review

The court has issued a new date for the murder trial of journalist Jacquie Maribe and her former lover Jowie Irungu.

The murder trial of former lovers Joseph Irungu alias Jowie and journalist Jacquie Maribe has been pushed to May 5, 2021. The trial will be heard in an open court.

The two are on trial for the murder of Nairobi businesswoman Monica Kimani slightly over two years ago.

Justice Grace Nzioka in a virtual hearing yesterday, April 21, ordered the two ex-lovers to appear in an open court so that witnesses may be lengthy.

The defence did not oppose the state's request to have the remaining seven witnesses testify in open court.

Lady Justice Nzioka adjourned the court, ordering that the matter be heard on May 5.

So far 20 witnesses have testified in the case against the two.

“Over 20 witnesses have testified so far. There are about seven witnesses to go before the prosecution rests its case,” defence Lawyer David Ayuo told Daily Nation at the Milimani High Court in November 2020.

Among the witness who appeared before the previous judge in the case, Justice James Wakiaga was Mr. Lee Omondi, who identified Jowie as the last person seen with Ms. Kimani before she was found dead in her house in Nairobi.

Omondi, a friend of the late Monica, described their final moments at her house at Lamuria Gardens Apartments before he left her in the company of Jowie.

Jacque and Jowie have denied murdering Monica on the night of September 19 and September 20, 2018.

Her lifeless body was found in her bathroom.