This archive report was first published on 28 November 2019.
On September 19, 2018, a fateful night that would change the course of a murder trial, Jacque Maribe, a former news anchor, was with Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko. This revelation came to light during the trial of Monica Kimani's murder, with a witness, Chelagat Ruto, taking the stand to recount the events of that night.
According to Ruto, she met Maribe in 2017 during the general election campaign, and they became friends. Maribe introduced her to Jowie, Maribe's ex-fiancé, who would later be charged with murdering Monica Kimani, a charge he denies.
On the night of the murder, Ruto testified that she went to Road House Grill with a friend at around 6:30 pm. They met Joseph Irungu, alias Jowie, and his friend, and had a late lunch. Ruto described Jowie's attire, saying he was wearing brown khaki shorts with side pockets, a maroon cap, and a white T-shirt.
After lunch, Ruto said she left the restaurant with her friend, while Jowie and his friend left around 8:30 pm. Jowie sent her friend Juliet money via M-Pesa to pay the bill.
Ruto testified that she met Maribe and Sonko at the JKL Show studio, where Sonko was scheduled to give an interview. They prepared Sonko for the interview, and later, they all went to Club 40/40 in Westlands. Ruto said they were at the club until around 4 am, with Jowie joining them around 1 am.
After leaving the club, Ruto said she left with her friend in her car, while Maribe left with Jowie in her car. It was only later that Ruto learned of Monica Kimani's murder, which shocked her, given her close relationship with Jowie and Maribe.
