The High Court has found Joseph Irungu, famously known as Jowie, guilty of the murder of businesswoman Monicah Kimani in 2018.

"Having considered the evidence in this matter it is the finding of this court that the prosecution has adduced adequate evidence and has met the threshold.... It is the finding of this court that the first accused person murdered the deceased," ruled Justice Grace Nzioka.

On the other hand,  the High Court has acquitted former Television presenter Jacque Maribe in the murder case involving Monica Kimani.

PHOTO | COURTESY: Jackie Maribe and Jowie Irungu in court

Justice Grace Nzioka found and held that the prosecution did not adduce sufficient evidence to incriminate Maribe in the murder which occurred in September 19, 2018.

“It is my considered view that the charge brought against the second accused person (Jacque Maribe) was not the proper charge,” she stated.

She was subsequently set free.

The verdict, which has faced several adjournments, was to be delivered on March 15 but was delivered on Friday following a consent agreement reached by all parties involved.

 This is after the second accused person, Jackie Maribe, fell ill on Friday morning.

While postponing the judgment, Lady Justice Grace Nzioka noted that all parties must be physically produced to measure the judicial system's integrity.

"There's no provision for virtual today and if you tell me you're unwell, I don't know where you are. The integrity of the court proceedings must be observed. I would rather have an open court appearance," she explained.

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

It was later pushed to December 15, 2023, but the verdict's delivery when it was then postponed to January 26.

Kimani met a tragic end in 2018 when she was discovered dead at her residence in Lamuria Gardens Apartment, situated on Kitale Lane off Denis Pritt Road in Kilimani.