Judgment in Monica Kimani murder case postponed to March as Maribe reported ill

Justice Grace Nzioka said on Friday that she will deliver the verdict by March 15, 2023.

The first accused person Joshua Irungu alias Jowie was in court for delivery of the verdict while the second accused person, journalist Jacque Maribe, was reported ill.  The court was told that she was on her way to hospital.

The judge however noted that the judgment was ready for delivery.

"I have looked at my diary and the court is not available in the whole month of January and February. Other than this matter I have a few other serious matters that I am dealing with. I will not be available from the 8th of February to 8th of March. My earliest judgement would be 15th of March," she said.

While postponing delivery of the judgment, Justice Nzioka asked the State to provide medical evidence on the reason for absence of the second accused person Maribe.

The judgment was initially set to be issued on October 6, 2023 but was deferred after Lady Justice Grace Nzioka was reported to be ill.

A new date of December 15, 2023 was set but delivery of the verdict was once again put off to January 26, 2024.

While postponing the judgment in December, Justice Nzioka said she was yet to complete scrutinizing part of the exhibits that were submitted to her on Monday this week.

In a virtual submission, the judge told the parties in the case that “three gunny bags” of exhibits were submitted to her and she would need more time to peruse them.

The said exhibits include items such as clothing, bottles among others.