They say family is not an important thing. It is everything. There is some truth in this statement especially when it comes to the story of embattled Citizen TV presenter Jacque Maribe.
Maribe has made many friends during her career as a journalist. She has dined with the high and might. She has been to State House on numerous occasions and was Citizen’s chief political reporter assigned to the Jubilee government during last year’s election.
Her work was recognized by the government and she was controversially awarded with the Head of State Commendation during last year’s Mashujaa Day.
But as things turned on the journalist so did her friends. Maribe is currently in police custody at Gigiri Police Station when they are being held together with her boyfriend Jowi Irungu as prime suspects in the murder of Monica Kimani.
Her employer Royal Media was quick to send her on a compulsory leave until she clears her name. Citizen Tv shocked their viewers even more when they abandoned the journalist and started referring her to as Journalist Jacque Maribe in news coverage.
But at least Jacque Maribe can lean on the shoulders her family. The family has been her rock at this trying moment of her career.
Her elder sister recently came out to show support for her sister on Social media. Cathylene Maribe posted an emotional message on Facebook hopeful that things will be better, praying for brighter days.
“Faith tells me that no matter what lies ahead, God is already there,” she captioned the photo with her sister.
Maribe’s family led by her father Mwangi Maribe and her mother – an evangelist – have all been out giving support during court proceedings.
At some point during their stay at the Police station, Maribe’s dad was spotted literally shielding her daughter from the clicking cameras and a battery of journalists even as the lady at the centre of attraction, donning a cap and hoodie appeared petrified.
The anchor was arrested on Saturday last week and taken to Gigiri Police Station in connection to Monica’s murder. Her fiancé Joseph Irungu alias Jowie is alleged to have killed Monica at a Kilimani apartment.
The lifeless body was found in a bathtub with her throat slit, on September 20. Also arrested was Jacque’s neighbour Kasaine Spira after a gun was found in his house. The gun is alleged to have been used by Irungu to shoot himself in the shoulder.