Who Is Jacque Maribe? Wiki, Biography, Age, Husband, Kids, Family, Net Worth, and more
Jacque Maribe is a Kenyan journalist and media personality who has made a name for herself in the field of political reporting. She has worked for several reputable news outlets, including Citizen TV, K24, and KTN. She has also been involved in some high-profile controversies, such as her romantic relationship with Joseph Irungu, aka Jowie, who was convicted of the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani in 2024.
Jacque Wanjiru Maribe Wiki/Bio
| Name | Jacque Wanjiru Maribe |
|---|---|
| Birth date | December 18, 1989 |
| Birth place | Murang’a County, Kenya |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Ethnicity | Embu |
| Religion | Christian |
| Occupation | Journalist and actress |
| Education | University of Nairobi (Journalism and Media Studies) |
| Employer | Citizen TV |
| Children | Zahari (son) |
| Parents | Mr. and Mrs. Maribe Mwangi |
| Siblings | One brother and one sister |
| Relationship status | Engaged to Joseph Irungu (Jowie) |
| Net worth | Ksh. 50 million (estimated) |
| Notable works | The Constant Gardener, Papa Shirandula, Monica, political reporting |
| Legal issues | Acquitted of murder charges in 2024 |
| Links | Instagram- @jacquemaribe Homepage- Newsunzip |
Early Life, Birthday, and Education
Jacque Wanjiru Maribe was born on December 18, 1989 (age: 34 years, as of 2023), in Murang’a County, Kenya. She was raised in a middle-class family by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mwangi, who live in BuruBuru estate in Nairobi. She has two siblings, a brother and a sister. She exhibited a passion for storytelling and communication from a young age. She attended State House Girls High School in Nairobi, where she shared a dormitory with gospel musician Size 8. She then proceeded to the University of Nairobi, where she pursued a degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She graduated in 2011 with honors.
Rise to Television Stardom
Jacque Maribe’s career in the media industry began to flourish during her university years. She honed her skills as a journalist through internships and freelance opportunities, eventually catching the eye of industry insiders. In 2009, she landed a coveted position as a news anchor at Citizen TV, one of Kenya’s leading television networks. Her captivating presence on screen and sharp reporting style quickly made her a household name. She covered various political and social issues, such as the 2013 and 2017 general elections, the Westgate mall attack, the Garissa University attack, and the SGR project. She also interviewed prominent figures, such as former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, former President Mwai Kibaki, and President Uhuru Kenyatta.
In 2011, Maribe left Citizen TV and joined K24, where she worked as a senior political reporter and news anchor for two years. She then moved to Kiss TV, where she continued to report on political affairs until 2012. She then returned to Citizen TV, where she became the political affairs editor. She also hosted a popular show called The Hot Seat, where she grilled politicians and other influential personalities on various topics. She also played a role in the 2005 movie The Constant Gardener, which was filmed in Kenya.
Net Worth
| Year | Net Worth (in Kshs) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3.0 million |
| 2022 | 2.5 million |
| 2021 | 2.0 million |
Height, Weight
- Height: 5’ 3″ (1.60 m)
- Weight: 49 kg (108 lbs)
- Eye color: Black
- Hair color: Black
- Skin color: Brown
Controversial Connections and Legal Drama
Despite her professional success, Jacque Maribe’s life took a tumultuous turn when she became embroiled in a highly publicized legal saga. In 2018, she found herself at the center of attention following her romantic involvement with Joseph Irungu, popularly known as Jowie. Jowie was a former security guard and aspiring politician who had proposed to Maribe in a lavish ceremony in June 2018.
Their relationship garnered widespread media attention, especially after Jowie was implicated in the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani in September 2018. Kimani was found dead in her apartment in Kilimani, Nairobi, with her throat slit and hands tied behind her back. Jowie was arrested as the prime suspect, after CCTV footage showed him entering and leaving Kimani’s apartment on the night of the murder. He also had a gunshot wound on his chest, which he claimed was self-inflicted in a suicide attempt.
Maribe’s connection to Jowie thrust her into a whirlwind of legal proceedings and intense scrutiny from the public and media alike. She was arrested and charged with being an accessory to the murder, after the police claimed that she helped Jowie cover up the crime. She was also accused of giving false information to the police and interfering with evidence. She denied the charges and maintained her innocence, claiming that she was unaware of Jowie’s involvement in the murder and that she was a victim of love. She also expressed her unwavering support for Jowie, saying that she loved him and believed in him.
The murder case attracted national and international attention, as it involved a prominent journalist, a wealthy businesswoman, and a mysterious lover. The case also exposed the dark side of Kenya’s elite society, where money, power, and corruption are rampant. The case was marked by dramatic twists and turns, such as the emergence of new witnesses, the disappearance of key evidence, the involvement of prominent lawyers, and the interference of political forces.
The case also took a toll on Jacque Maribe’s personal and professional life, as she lost her job, her reputation, and her freedom. She spent several months in remand prison, before being released on bail in October 2018. She was barred from appearing on TV or commenting on the case on social media. She also had to report to the police regularly and surrender her passport.
On February 9, 2024, the court delivered its verdict on the murder case. Jowie was found guilty of the murder of Monica Kimani and sentenced to life imprisonment. Joseph ‘Jowie’ Irungu was acquitted of all charges, after the court found that there was no evidence linking her to the crime. Justice Grace Nzioka also noted that Maribe was a victim of gender-based violence, as Jowie had physically and emotionally abused her during their relationship. She was filled with mixed emotions after the ruling, as she expressed her relief at being freed, but also her sadness at losing Jowie. She also thanked her family, friends, and fans for their support and prayers throughout the ordeal.
Personal Struggles, Boyfriend, Son, and Family Dynamics
Amidst the legal drama, Jacque Maribe faced personal challenges, including the complexities of motherhood. She welcomed a son, Zahari, into the world in 2014, bringing both joy and added responsibility to her life. Zahari’s father is Eric Omondi, a popular comedian and actor in Kenya. She and Omondi had dated for a while, but broke up before Zahari was born.
They remained friends and co-parents, but kept their son’s identity a secret from the public for a long time. They only revealed Zahari’s face and name in 2019, when they posted a photo of him on social media. She and Omondi have since been praised for their mature and cordial relationship, as they often celebrate their son’s milestones and achievements together.
Maribe has also faced challenges in her relationship with her parents, especially her father, who disapproved of her involvement with Joseph ‘Jowie’ Irungu. Her father, Mr. Maribe, publicly criticized Jowie and accused him of ruining his daughter’s life and career. He also urged his daughter to end her relationship with Jowie and focus on her son and her work.
Her mother, Mrs. Maribe, on the other hand, has been supportive of her daughter throughout her ordeal, accompanying her to court and comforting her during the trial. She has also expressed her love and pride for her daughter, calling her a strong and courageous woman.
Current Status and Future Plans
Jacque Maribe has been keeping a low profile since her acquittal, as she focuses on rebuilding her life and career. She has been working on various projects, such as hosting a podcast called The Hot Seat, where she interviews celebrities and other personalities. She has also been working on a book, where she plans to tell her side of the story and share her experiences and lessons. She has also been involved in some philanthropic activities, such as supporting children’s homes and women’s empowerment initiatives. She has also been spending quality time with her son, her family, and her friends.
Maribe has also been rumored to be dating again, after she was spotted with different men on various occasions. However, she has not confirmed or denied any of these rumors, saying that she prefers to keep her personal life private. She has also said that she is open to love, but that she is not in a hurry to settle down. She has also said that she has forgiven Jowie and that she wishes him well.
She has also expressed her desire to return to TV, saying that she misses her passion and profession. She has said that she is ready to resume her career as a journalist, and that she hopes to get another chance to work in the media industry. She has also said that she has learned a lot from her ordeal, and that she has grown as a person and a professional. She has also said that she is grateful for the second chance that she has been given, and that she is optimistic about the future.
Jacque Maribe is a Kenyan journalist and media personality who has had a remarkable and controversial career. She has worked for several reputable news outlets, covering various political and social issues. She has also been involved in a high-profile murder case, where she was accused of being an accessory to the murder of Monica Kimani by her fiancé, Jowie.
