Sarah Wairimu, the widow of Tob Cohen, a former CEO of Philips East Africa, appeared in the Kibera High Court today as her trial for his alleged murder officially began. Wairimu is accused of killing Cohen on July 19, 2019, at their home in Nairobi’s Lower Kabete area. The case has captured the public’s attention, primarily due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the mysterious circumstances surrounding Cohen’s death.
In January 2025, Wairimu was re-arrested following a review of new evidence by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which allegedly links her to the murder. The DPP has asserted that there is overwhelming evidence tying Wairimu to the crime. This follows her initial arrest in 2019, after Cohen’s body was discovered in a septic tank at their Kitisuru home. At that time, Wairimu denied any involvement, claiming that she had been framed, and the charges were dropped in favor of an inquest. However, the investigation continued, and the case was revisited after new evidence emerged.
The prosecution, which is led by a team of experienced lawyers including Vincent Monda, Wangui Gichuhi, Ebby Maswai, Sarah Ogweno, Peris Maina, Christine Timoi, and Lindah Mwamburi, is determined to prove Wairimu’s involvement in Cohen’s death. The team has already presented its opening statement and called the first witness in the trial. Justice Diana Kavedza is overseeing the proceedings, which are expected to take a significant amount of time due to the complexity of the case.
One of the key developments in the trial has been the court’s decision to deny Wairimu bail. Concerns about potential witness intimidation and interference led to this ruling, and she remains in custody at Lang’ata Women’s Prison. This decision has sparked debate, especially since the accused has maintained her innocence, claiming that she was unjustly implicated in the murder.
Another point of contention during the trial has been the issue of mental health. The defense team argued against a fresh mental evaluation for Wairimu, referencing a previous assessment conducted in 2019. The court, however, ruled that the earlier mental evaluation was sufficient for the purposes of the trial, rejecting the defense’s request for a new assessment.
The prosecution is expected to continue presenting its evidence, with a site visit to the crime scene scheduled as part of the trial procedure. This will allow the court to gain a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding the crime. The case has already attracted significant public attention, with many people keen to see how the legal process unfolds.
As the trial progresses, Wairimu’s legal team will likely continue to argue that the evidence against her is circumstantial and that the charges are based on speculation rather than concrete proof. The defense’s strategy will likely center around discrediting the new evidence and raising doubts about its validity. The prosecution, on the other hand, will aim to present a case that establishes Wairimu’s direct involvement in Cohen’s death, seeking to prove that she is responsible for the crime.
This case is one of the most high-profile murder trials in recent years, and the outcome will have significant implications, both for Wairimu and for the public perception of the Kenyan legal system. As the trial continues, it is clear that the stakes are high, and all eyes will be on the court as it works to uncover the truth behind Tob Cohen’s tragic death.
