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Television journalist Jacque Maribe was the centre of attraction during a tour of Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria on Thursday to various Vocation Training Colleges (VTCs) in Nakuru yesterday.

It was the first time Maribe was appearing in the public since the High Court acquitted her in the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani.

It also came only a day after Justice Grace Nzioka sentenced Maribe’s co-accused in the murder case, Joseph Irungu alias Jowie to death. 

Maribe’s presence came amidst confusing information from the government over her status, with Kuria on the one hand maintaining that she was the new Director of Communication at his Ministry and the Public Service Commission, on the other, saying it had not hired her.

In his announcement, Kuria declared that Maribe had landed the role following her appointment by PSC. “It is true, except that I am not the one who appointed her but the Public Service Commission,” he said.

The news sparked debate across different media platforms.

Denis Itumbi, a close ally of President William Ruto, was quick to congratulate Maribe, wishing her well in the new appointment.

Press invitations

“Congratulations Jacque Maribe. May God bless you as your serve. Thanks CS Moses Kuria for standing with a generation. Please keep doing good and stretching your hand,” Itumbi posted on his socials.

On Wednesday, press invitations to various journalists were sent out with Ms Maribe listed as the contact person for the various events the CS was to carry out in Nakuru.

Yesterday, however the Public Service Commission (PSC) denied having appointed Ms Maribe to any government post.

“PSC has not appointed journalist Jacque Maribe as Head of Communication in the Ministry of Public Service contrary to social media posts attributed to CS Moses Kuria,” the PSC stated.

PSC chairperson Amb  Anthony Muchiri further clarified that no such appointment or request thereof had been made.  “For the record the position will be filled in a competitive recruitment process should a vacancy arise,” the statement.

While acquitting Maribe, Justice Nzioka stated that the count of murder was not the proper charge the prosecution would have preferred against her.

 During yesterday’s tour, Kuria revealed   that the government was in the process of integrating service delivery between the VTCs and the National Youth Service (NYS).

“Those who graduate from NYS shall be integrated at the VTCs for further vocational training. This shall also propel the equipping of our VTCs better than they are today,” said Kuria.

The CS further reiterated that the government would continue seeking for jobs for Kenyan youth overseas after receiving such training.