A former TV anchor, Jacque Maribe, who was acquitted of murder, has landed a senior position in the Kenyan government, sparking surprise and criticism in the country.
Maribe was cleared of involvement in the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani, who was discovered with her throat slit. However, her ex-partner Joseph Irungu, known as “Jowie,” was convicted in the case.
While the judge acquitted Maribe of murder charges, citing lack of evidence, he recommended prosecuting her for providing false information to the police.
Despite this, Maribe has been appointed as the head of communications for Kenya’s Ministry of Public Service, Performance, and Delivery Management, leading to widespread criticism.
“As a Kenyan who likes fairness, I must ask if the position was vacant all along or if someone was occupying it in acting capacity or if someone has been fired to bring her in,” lawyer Wahome Thuku asked on X (formerly Twitter).
“That Maribe story is a clear indication that the government has jobs, just not for you,” another commenter said.
But Public Service Minister Moses Kuria told the private Nation website that this new job was “the right thing” for Ms Maribe. “This is a country of justice, equal opportunities and one that will lend you a hand to rise from your ruins,” he said.
Ms Maribe – who had spent six years on trial – told the same publication that “the truth, which always sets us all free, has worked – and I thank God for everything”.