Blogger Robert Alai has launched another attack on the embattled Joseph Irungu alias Jowie and his fiance Jacque Maribe. Appearing in front of Justice Jessie Lessit at the Milimani Law courts to take plea, Jowie was seen having an emotional moment with his mother. The two embraced and whispered to each other.

This follow’s last week incident when Jacque Maribe too was pictured having such a moment with her dad. These two different scenarios have elicited various reactions on social media with many comparing them to the  “Family First” situation with many seemingly moved by the incident.

One person who has not been moved by the incident is blogger Robert Alai who now feels that Jowie and Maribe are out to manipulate people emotionally.

“Jowie was told how the public thinks that Jacque Maribe is not guilty because she is close to her father. So Jowie saw the need to bring his mother for a proper hug. Now all of you being emotionally manipulated. Murder prosecution is not beauty contest,” tweeted Alai

Jowie was told how the public thinks that Jacque Maribe is not guilty because she is close to her father. So Jowie saw the need to bring his mother for a proper hug. Now all of you being emotionally manipulated. Murder prosecution is not beauty contest.

— Robert ALAI, HSC (@RobertAlai) October 15, 2018

TV anchor Jacque Maribe and her fiancé Joseph Irungu will remain in custody  until Wednesday October, 17, when the court will hear their bail application and set trial dates, the high court ruled. At the Milimani Law Courts, the duo pleaded not guilty to the murder of Monica Kimani. This preceded last week’s ruling where Justice Lessit ordered mental assessment of Maribe and medical treatment for Irungu.

Irungu’s counsel Mugambi Laichena asked the court to ensure he is furnished with all documents and exhibits that the prosecution will rely on Katwa Kigen for Maribe also requested for close hearing dates, all prosecution documents, investigation diary and investigation officers’ statements. The defence team also requested for the trial dates to be declared.

Public prosecutor Catherine Mwaniki told the court that her office can only provide the defence team with the details once the Witness Protection Agency gives direction on witness protection. She was however not averse to setting early trial dates as requested by Mr Kigen. Justice Lesiit directed that the victim’s family had up to the morning of Tuesday, October 16, to file an affidavit seeking to bar release of the two suspects on bail, which application will be served to the defence team and heard on Wednesday.

Justice Lesiit said that another judge will take up the case as from Wednesday but did not name him or her when lawyer Kigen asked her about it. Maribe has been detained at the Langata Women Prison while Irungu is held at the Industrial Area Remand Prison, Nairobi.

VIDEO: Emotions Run High As Jowie Embraces His Mother in Court