The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has lodged an appeal against the recent High Court judgment that cleared former TV news anchor Jacque Maribe of involvement in the murder case of businesswoman Monica Kimani.

In the appeal notice filed by Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions O.J Omondi, the DPP’s office expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling delivered by High Court judge Grace Nzioka last Friday.

The notice reads, “Take notice that the Republic, the intended Appellant herein, being dissatisfied with the decision of the High Court of Kenya at Nairobi (Hon. G. Nzioka), delivered in Nairobi on the 9th of February 2024, appeals to the Court of Appeal against the part of the judgment acquitting the 2nd Accused Person.”

While Justice Nzioka found Joseph Irungu, also known as Jowie, guilty of Monica Kimani's murder, she acquitted Jacque Maribe of the charge, stating that the evidence did not convincingly link her to the crime scene on the night of the incident.

The judge ruled that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to prove Jowie's involvement in the murder beyond a reasonable doubt. However, she highlighted the lack of concrete evidence placing Maribe at the scene of the crime, thus leading to her acquittal.

Although Maribe was absolved of the murder charge, the judge noted discrepancies in her statements regarding Jowie's gunshot wound, labeling it as providing misleading information to a public servant. The decision on any further action against Maribe was left to the discretion of the ODPP.

In her concluding remarks, Justice Nzioka emphasized the role of the prosecution in providing substantial evidence, affirming Jowie's conviction for murder while exonerating Maribe from the same charge.

The appeal by the ODPP sets the stage for further legal proceedings in the closely watched case, which has garnered significant attention from the public and media alike.