The office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has presented an affidavit in court seeking that JAcque Maribe and Joseph Irungu alias, ‘Jowi’ should be denied bail.
The couple, was on Monday charged with the murder of Monica Kimani, on the night of 19th September in her apartment in Lamuria Gardens, Kilimani Area.
One of the reasons why the two should be denied bail is that Jowi, who is the first accused has no fixed abode and a flight risk, who has been known to frequently travel in and out of the country. Jowi, was residing at Jacque’s apartment before his arrest.
“There is a likelihood of the accused persons interfering and intimidating the key prosecution witnesses if released on bail and therefore justifiable to subject the accused to pretrial detention noting that some of the key witnesses are the house help, manager who was with them prior to the fatal incident and after, watchmen and other key witnesses,” reads part of the affidavit signed by Investigating officer Maxwell Otieno.
Journalist Jacque Maribe & fiancé Joseph Irungu to remain in remand pending hearing & determination of their bail. Justice Jessie Lessit said the matter be mentioned 17.10.18 to give date for hearing of their bail application #Murder_ODPP pic.twitter.com/RsjnFxAcxV
— ODPP_KE (@ODPP_KE) October 15, 2018
The prosecution also fears that releasing the two accused on bail, will pose a great risk to the witnesses and interfere with investigations. Ms. Maribe, being a media personality associated with persons of influence, if released on bail and bond there is a high possibility that she will threaten or intimidate the key prosecution witness.
“If the accused person are released they will disturb public order , undermine public peace or security and detention may be necessary to preserve public peace and protect the accused persons,” claims the investigating Officer.
The investigating officer further stated that Monica Kimani’s residence as well as that Ms. Maribe have been identified to be the primary and secondary crime scenes respectively, hence, the accused persons could tamper with the ongoing probe.
Mr. Otieno argues that investigations are ongoing to establish any amount of money that could have been taken from the deceased’s house, noting that the late Monica Kimani was to travel out of the country.
The documents filed in court further state that Joseph ‘Jowie’ Irungu has been positively identified as the person last seen in the company of Monica Kimani at her residence having used someone else’s identification card to gain entry into the compound.
Justice Jessie Lessit directed that the hearing on the bail application be set for Wednesday this week before another judge and the decision made at a later date.