Citizen TV Sends Jacque Maribe on Compulsory Leave

Citizen TV is said to have taken action against Jacque Maribe following the ruling made to have her detained for an extra 10 days in connection to the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani.

A source who opted to remain anonymous revealed that Maribe was sent on a 3-month compulsory leave as she waits to appear in court on October 11.

Victor Bwire, who is the Media Council Programmes Manager, stated that media houses do not have a clear policy on such an issue.

“In most media houses, a journalist employee under police investigation, arrested or yet to take a plea is sent on compulsory paid leave and taken off the desk or screen during the period but will be dismissed as soon as they are formally charged for murder, robbery or any serious crime. Traffic offenses are generally pardoned,” read his facebook post.

He pointed out that how the issue is handled differs from one media house to another.

“The storyline and coverage consideration of such issues is done at the professional discretion of different media houses.

"Professional solidarity for a colleague is high when the matter involves their line of duty issues,” remarked Bwire through his Facebook post.

In the event that Citizen TV had not sent Maribe on compulsory leave, the journalist who doubles up as an anchor and reporter, would have had a few days to salvage her job.

According to the Employment Act section (44) article 4 part (f), an employee is subject to summary dismissal following the lawful exercise of any power of arrest given by or under any written law, an employee is arrested for a cognizable offence punishable by imprisonment and is not within fourteen days either released on bail or on bond or otherwise lawfully set at liberty.

During the days she will be in remand, Maribe will have access to her advocates and warned not to be persuaded into recording any statement without her lawyer present.

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