Jacque Maribe Throws Itumbi Into The 'Friendzone' In Birthday Message

Former Citizen TV anchor, Jacque Maribe on Monday, March 18 penned a birthday message to digital strategist, Dennis Itumbi, but she dismissed years of speculations that they were a couple.

In her message posted on her Instagram stories, Maribe acknowledged the nature of their platonic relationship which she stated had lasted for 20 years.

In a bid to dismiss the speculations, she shared a past group selfie with other acquaintances, adding that they would play a key role in helping him find a wife for himself.

"Happy birthday @dennisitumbi The 2 solid decades of friendship have been a testament of highs and lows, and love all the same," Jacque Maribe wrote.

"This new year around the sun, this group in this picture will help you find a wife, so everyone stop assuming it's me. Happy birthday, D.I."

Jacque Maribe's birthday message to Dennis Itumbi on March 18, 2024. /INSTAGRAM.JACQUE MARIBE

However, the post itself found its way onto other social media platforms including X, sparking a variety of reactions from many Kenyans, especially men.

Many concluded that Itumbi was sentenced to the dreaded friendzone, given the numerous times they sent wagging over the nature of their relationship.

The two have in the past been caught exchanging saliva like lovebirds even though Maribe insists they are only BFFs with zero romance at play. In particular, Maribe and Itumbi set the internet on fire in February 2015 when they were caught kissing and cuddling amorously.

After the smooching incident, Maribe and Itumbi were strongly believed to be dating until Joseph 'Jowie' Irungu came into the picture.

Jowie swept Jacque Maribe off her feet with strong love and in July 2018 she accepted his marriage proposal, a relationship that would be destroyed by the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani in September 2018.

On Friday, February 9, after the High Court exonerated Maribe of the murder and Jowie was found guilty...and later sentenced to death, Maribe and Itumbi were filmed hugging each other and walking out of the court while holding hands.

Platonic Relationship

A platonic relationship refers to a close, non-sexual bond between two individuals. It's a relationship characterized by emotional intimacy, mutual respect, and affection, but without any romantic or sexual involvement.

Platonic relationships can exist between friends, family members, colleagues, or any two people who share a deep connection and care for each other without any romantic or sexual desires or intentions. These relationships are often based on shared interests, values, and experiences, and they can be incredibly fulfilling and supportive.

Friendzone

Considered by many as the point of no return in dating and courtships, the "friend zone" is a colloquial term used to describe a situation in which one person has romantic feelings for another, but those feelings are not reciprocated, and instead, the person they're interested in only sees them as a friend.

Essentially, being in the friend zone means that one individual desires a romantic or sexual relationship with someone who only views them as a platonic friend.

Jacque Maribe and Dennis Itumbi hold hands outside the High Court in Nairobi on February 9, 2024. /PHOTO

The concept of the friend zone is often discussed in the context of heterosexual relationships, but it can occur in any type of relationship where one person desires a different level of intimacy than the other person is willing or able to provide.

Being in the friend zone can be emotionally challenging for the person with unrequited feelings, as they may experience frustration, disappointment, or sadness over the situation.

However, individuals need to respect boundaries and accept the other person's feelings, even if they're not what they had hoped for. It's also important for individuals to communicate openly and honestly about their feelings to avoid misunderstandings or hurt feelings.