Will Citizen TV Give into the DPPs Demands Regarding its Top Anchor?

The office of the director of public prosecutions today made an appeal to the high court to bar embattled TV queen Jacque Maribe from anchoring news on national television even if she is to be set free on bail.

The DPPs office through state counsel Catherine Mwaniki argued that Maribe’s appearance on TV presenting news will water their investigations and evidence as she will influence the witnesses in the murder case.

Her lawyers, led by Kagwa Kigen rejected the the bid terming it a violation of her constitutional rights.

“All we are saying is that being a media personality, there is a high possibility that while mingling with the members of the public, she is likely to take advantage to influence the witnesses,” the assistant DPP said.


Maribe and her fiance Joseph Irungu alias Jowie have denied killing Monica at her apartment in Kilimani on September 19.

They were charged afresh on Wednesday after the prosecution was allowed to amend the charge sheet.

Maribe’s lawyer Katwa kigen said the anchor has demonstrated cooperation saying this should go into informing the judge’s discretion.

Judge James Wakiaga said Maribe and her fiancé will remain in custody until Tuesday, October 30, the day the court will rule on their bail application.

The court will also rule on whether the Citizen TV anchor will be able to present news if released on bond.

Wakiaga said he needed time to deliberate on the submissions made by the prosecution and defence lawyers.

Citizen TV, Jacque Maribe’s employer is yet to release an official statement on the DPP’s directive.

If Justice Wakiaga is to grant the DPP his request, then Citizen TV will be the most affected. The station has in the past month lost some of its most valuable anchors and presenters.

Will they give in and see their star anchor idle around?

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