Maribe, Jowie’s release on bail opposed by DPP

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The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) is opposing the release of Journalist Jacque Maribe and her fiancé Joseph Irungu alias Jowie on bail after pleading not guilty to murder.

The two denied killing Monica Kimani on 19th September 2018 hours just after her arrival from Juba, South Sudan before Justice Jessie Lesiit.

The DPP, through an affidavit sworn by the Investigating Officer Maxwell Otieno attached to homicide section at DCI Headquarters, argues that Jowie has no fixed place of abode, is a frequent flyer and was residing at Maribe’s house which has been identified as the secondary scene of crime.

They also allege that Maribe, being a media personality and associated with persons of influence, there is a high possibility or that she will threaten or intimidate key witnesses if released on bail.

It is also argued that investigations are still ongoing to establish if Jowie has any permanent residence in any country and if released there is high possibility that he will abscond.

The police also want time to establish if any money was taken from the deceased’s house noting that she was to travel to Dubai, the money movement, person’s involved, how and who is currently in possession of the money.

Jowie, who has worked as a security personnel is said to have been identified as the one who was last seen with the deceased at her residence in Kilimani having used someone’s identification card which had been declared lost.

Detectives also claim the investigations to establish the motive of the murder will be beyond the Kenyan territory.

Defense objection….

However, the defense team objects the application to continue holding the two on grounds that bail is a constitutional rights which is entitled even to murder suspects.

Jowie’s lawyer Cliff Ombeta dismissed the application on grounds that the prosecution had failed to show compelling reasons to warrant denial of bail.

“Bail is self-activating unless there are compelling reasons. In this case none has been adduced/demonstrated to this court,” Ombeta submitted.

He said the prosecution should use evidence that will show how his client will interfere with investigations or intimidate witnesses not the evidence for the actual case.

“In this case, the accused persons having been brought to court and charged shows investigations are complete and therefore nothing is there to be interfered with”. Ombeta said.

The lawyer termed the grounds by the prosecution as ‘assumptions’ and ‘mere speculations’ that once one charged with murder, they will automatically will abscond.