Monica Kimani's close relationship with former Bahr el Ghazal governor Awet Akot may have been the source of her flying lifestyle, the Nation has established.
The 28-year-old business lady was found dead in September and police have since arrested Joseph Irungu and his fiance Jacque Maribe in connection with the murder.
In 2013, Monica joined her father in South Sudan, Rumbek, and was instantly absorbed to the office of the governor where she rapidly rose ranks.
Her father Paul Ngarama, has refuted claims that her daughter was married to Mr. Akot, now deputy speaker in South Sudan National Assembly but admitted of a close family relationship.
A source said that Mr. Akot and Monica were 'good' friends and he may have funded her business.
“The governor liked her so much that she was always accompanying him and she rose through the ranks in his office.“
"Meanwhile, Mr Ngarama established the Rebuilding Apostolic Faith Mission Church, and opened branch after another with the help of the governor,” he said.
When Akot moved to Juba, Monica reportedly left with him and established a business empire that handled courier services and cosmetics.
“The family business dealt with courier services between Kenya and Sudan but Monica started stocking the premises with beauty products, especially from Kenya and Uganda.
“Gradually, the business grew and then she started her own interior design business in 2017 and won contracts from government offices and other private organisations with the help of Mr Akot’s connections,” the family friend revealed.
Mr. Akot, a retired Lieutenant General in SPLM solders, is believed to have been having an intimate relationship with the deceased.
Ms. Kimani had accumulated a lot of wealth within two years, something that had raised suspicion among her peers.
Maribe's fiance, Joseph Irungu, was named as prime suspect in the murder saga after police established that he was at the crime scene.
Monica's neighbours also positively identified him but he has denied the claims. Maribe's vehicle, which Irungu allegedly used during the fateful day, was also taken for dusting as part of establishing real killers.