State counsel Catherine Mwaniki wants Jacque Maribe to be subjected to another round of mental assessment in the ongoing Monica Kimani murder trial.
Maribe and her ex boyfriend Joseph Irungu alias Jowie are the prime suspects in the brutal murder of the late businesswoman.
The lifeless body of Monica Kimani was discovered at around 1pm on September 20th, 2018 at her Luciane Apartments house on Kitale Lane off Denis Pritt road.
The late businesswoman was found dead in a bathtub with her throat slit. Irungu and Maribe were arrested days later in connection with the murder.
The prosecution believe Irungu murdered Monica Kimani while Maribe was an accomplice helping him conceal evidence that would otherwise incriminate him.
The prosecution led by state counsel Catherine Mwaniki now wants Maribe to undergo another mental assessment to determine whether she is depressed.
Mwaniki sought court order for the mental assessment after defense lawyer Katwa Kigen indicated in a previous session that Maribe was depressed because of the time the case has taken.
“We have to know whether the second accused is mentally fit to follow the proceedings and to continue with the trial and confirm that she is not depressed. If she is not well, we need to have a mental assessment since all the accused have to be mentally fit to continue with the trial,” Mwaniki told the court.
However, the defense changed tune and instead stressed that Maribe is mentally fit unless the state was seeking an adjournment.
“Whoever alleged insanity must prove, the accused is ready to stand trial and ready to proceed,” the defense stated.
Justice Grace Nzioka however dismissed the application by the prosecution to subject Maribe to another mental assessment.
Meanwhile the prosecution said 15 witnesses have already testified and only 10 are remaining to conclude the case.
Maribe and Irungu have denied the charges in the murder of Monica Kimani, the two accused persons are out on bond.
Related: Monica Kimani Murder Inquest: Businessman Haunted By “Come Help Me sleep” Text Message
