Kenyan Newspapers Review: Jowie, Jacque Maribe Await Verdict In Monica Kimani Murder Case

On Friday, December 15, the Kenyan newspapers reported that the main suspects in the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani will know their fate today.

The dailies also reported on the alleged rot at Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), with an audit report showing the electricity distributor has kept its customers in the dark despite them forking out KSh 12 billion for new connections.

1. People Daily

The High Court is set to deliver its judgment today on the murder of Nairobi businesswoman Monica Kimani.

Two main suspects, Joseph Irungu alias Jowie and journalist Jacque Maribe, are awaiting their fate in the murder trial.

Lady Justice Grace Nzioka will rule on the case after the prosecution team led by Wangui Gichuhi presented 35 witnesses and other documentary evidence against the suspects.

Jowie was accused of murdering Kimani in September 2018 at Lamuria Gardens with Maribe as his accomplice.

"At no point did she (Maribe) provide information to police about the murder only to be seen on Citizen TV the following day announcing the death of Monica when she was fully aware of what happened," Gichuhi said.

2. The Standard

Controller of Budget (CoB)Margaret Nyakang'o has cried foul over her arrest and accused President William Ruto's government of wanting to kick her out of office for whistleblowing.

Nyakang'o dismissed the criminal charges against her, noting it was part of a scheme to remove her from office.

The CoB said she was coerced to sign out KSh15 billion days to elections and that it was malicious to soil her reputation.

Nyakang'o's lawyer, Danstan Omari, insisted that she enjoys the security of tenure and can only be removed through a disciplinary process.

Omari noted she was not summoned to answer queries on the KSh 6 billion Telkom deal.

3. Daily Nation

The National Treasury has announced new strict austerity measures targeting ministries, departments, and agencies to cut costs.

The exchequer cut travel allowances by half, limiting the category of officials allowed to travel domestically by plane.

Transport allowance was capped at KSh 5,000 from KSh 10,000 while approvals for training were suspended.

It also banned non-essential tea, lunch and water for civil servants, slashing imprest for use by half.

Treasury Principal Secretary (PS) Chris Kiptoo announced the new measures following a budget implementation committee meeting.

4. The Star

An audit report has revealed that customers who paid KSh 12 billion to KPLC for new connections are yet to get power.

Some Kenyans have waited for 11 years to get connected, according to a report by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu.

"Management continues to hold customer electricity connection fees amounting to KSh 12.079 billion," Gathungu disclosed.

Gathungu exposed KPLC for paying ghost suppliers KSh 488 million without the requisite transaction documents.

KPLC has on the spot over frequent blackouts.

5. Taifa Leo

The publication reported that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's influence in the Mt Kenya region was waning.

Gachagua has been jostling to be the region's spokesman after the retirement of Kenya's fourth president, Uhuru Kenyatta.

The DP faces stiff opposition from a section of politicians in Central Kenya for the coveted position.

Among them are Public Service CS Moses Kuria and Kiharu lawmaker Ndindi Nyoro. The political fight has divided the vote-rich region.