Kinuthia Pius said the Public Service Commission has not hired former Citizen TV journalist Jacque Maribe.They stated that if Maribe were to be employed, she must first go through an assessment process.The Public Service Commission is the body that oversees government hiring in Kenya.Kinuthia Pius is the commission’s spokesperson.
Jacque Maribe previously worked as a news anchor at Citizen TV, a popular television station in Kenya. However, in 2018 she was arrested and charged in connection with the murder of Monica Kimani, her neighbor.The high-profile case received extensive media coverage in Kenya. Maribe spent several months in custody before being released on bail. In 2020, the court found her not guilty of murder but guilty of being an accessory after the fact to the murder. She was given a suspended sentence.
After her release, there was speculation that Maribe may rejoin media or potentially take up a government job. However, the Public Service Commission has clarified that despite rumors, they have not employed her.Their statement indicates that even if Maribe were to apply for a government position, she would first need to undergo an assessment process. This likely refers to vetting procedures to evaluate a candidate’s suitability for public service roles.
The commission did not provide further details on what such an assessment would entail for Maribe specifically. Factors that may be considered include her criminal record, conduct during the trial, remorse shown, and whether sufficient time has passed.
While the Commission did not rule out the possibility of Maribe’s employment, their statement suggests she must go through proper protocols like any other applicant. Her high-profile case means her hiring would face additional public scrutiny.
The clarification dispels unverified claims about Maribe’s employment status. It maintains that despite her past journalism career, she has not been hired by the public service without due process. The decision aligns with upholding standards for those joining the government workforce.
By Newshub