Jacque Maribe addresses speculation in birthday message to Dennis Itumbi

Former TV journalist Jacque Maribe has extended birthday wishes to Dennis Itumbi through social media.

Maribe's message acknowledged their long-standing friendship and also addressed the frequent rumors about their relationship.

"Happy birthday Dennis Itumbi. The 2 solid decades of friendship have been a testament of highs and lows, and love all the same. This new year around the sun, this group in this picture will help you find a wife, so everyone stop assuming it's me," she posted on Instagram.

This message comes after a period of intense scrutiny for Maribe, who was acquitted last month in the murder case of Monica Kimani. Maribe was the second accused in the high-profile case, which lasted over five years.

Itumbi, in a show of support following her acquittal, shared his feelings on social media, saying, "It has been six years, a journey of shadows, where unjust chains sought to bind the spirit of a great friend, a charming personality, a friend I treasure much."

“My good friend, welcome back to the embrace of freedom. As your friends, our collective hands extend to hold you as you take the next steps,” Itumbi added.

Maribe, who was cleared of all charges due to insufficient evidence, has had Itumbi's support throughout the trial.

Speaking about their relationship in a previous interview with The Standard, Itumbi clarified, "The common denominator is that we have remained good friends. So strong is our friendship that it has been scripted by blogs, mainstream media pages, and social media into a story of love."

He further said the value of their friendship beyond professional titles and public opinion, stating, “Yes, I work for State House, but I do not stand with Jacque because I have a lofty title acquired over time, but because we share something more meaningful and important than a job title: friendship.”

He added: “That is why I will stand with Jacque because she has always been my friend and I owe her friendship back. Some have said that we should slow down - to them I say friendship has no speedometer. Some have told me to do it privately.”

Maribe, echoing this sentiment in a conversation with Itumbi, addressed the rumours surrounding their relationship saying, "Tell them, we share a soul. Something deeper than love, a friendship that words can only spell but not explain."