The High Court is set to rule on February 18, 2025, whether Sarah Wairimu will be granted bail in the murder case of businessman Tob Cohen. Wairimu, who is charged with the murder of her husband, was re-arrested on January 23, 2025, after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, stated that there was overwhelming evidence implicating her in the crime.
The prosecution has strongly opposed Wairimu’s release on bail, arguing that she may interfere with key witnesses. Prosecution lawyer Vincent Monda emphasized in court that releasing the accused before two critical witnesses testify would be prejudicial to the case. He assured the court that the prosecution was ready to present these witnesses as soon as possible, after which Wairimu could renew her bail application.
Additionally, the victim’s lawyer, Pearlyne Omamo, urged the court to issue an order preventing Wairimu from accessing the house where she currently resides. Omamo argued that allowing Wairimu back into the property, which was the scene of the crime, would be a serious miscarriage of justice. “It’s our request that the victim is barred from accessing the house, which was the scene where the victim’s body was retrieved,” Omamo submitted.
However, Wairimu’s defense team strongly opposed the prosecution’s claims, arguing that there was no evidence to support the allegation that she would interfere with witnesses if released. The defense maintained that Wairimu had previously been granted bail and had complied with all court directions, demonstrating that she was not a flight risk. “We pray that she be admitted to bail. When she was admitted to bail, she complied with all court directions. She is not a flight risk,” the defense submitted.
Wairimu’s legal battle has been ongoing for several years. She was initially arrested in 2019 after Cohen’s body was discovered in a septic tank at their Kitisuru home. However, in 2022, then DPP Noordin Haji dropped the murder charges against her. Her recent re-arrest and the revival of the case have once again brought the matter into the public spotlight.
As the court prepares to make a determination on February 18, all eyes will be on whether Wairimu will be granted bail or remain in custody as the case proceeds. The decision will significantly impact the trajectory of the high-profile case, which has captivated national attention since its inception.
