The High Court sitting in Kibera has once again denied bail to Sarah Wairimu Kamotho, the widow and prime suspect in the high-profile murder case of Dutch tycoon Tob Cohen. This marks the second time Wairimu has been denied release as she awaits trial.
Justice Diana Mochache, delivering the ruling on Tuesday, stated that there has been no substantial change in circumstances to justify granting Wairimu bail at this stage. She ordered that the accused remain in custody at Lang’ata Women’s Prison.
The prosecution, led by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Vincent Monda, strongly opposed Wairimu’s bail application. Monda argued that the accused remains a flight risk, poses a threat of witness intimidation, and could potentially tamper with evidence if released.
Justice Mochache further highlighted troubling conduct by Wairimu, noting that she had fraudulently obtained a second passport while her original travel document remained in the custody of the police. The court viewed this as a deliberate attempt to evade justice, reinforcing the concerns raised by the prosecution.
Background of the Case
Tob Cohen, a wealthy Dutch businessman and former CEO of Philips East Africa, was reported missing in July 2019. His body was later discovered stuffed in a septic tank at his home in Nairobi’s upscale Kitisuru neighborhood in September 2019. His murder shocked the country and drew widespread media coverage due to the gruesome nature of the killing and Cohen’s prominence in the business community.
Sarah Wairimu, who was Cohen’s wife at the time, was arrested and later charged with his murder. She has consistently maintained her innocence, claiming that she is being framed and that her arrest is part of a broader conspiracy linked to a contentious property dispute and Cohen’s estate.
Her legal team has, on multiple occasions, argued for her release on bail, citing her right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, the courts have consistently ruled in favor of the prosecution’s position that her release could compromise the integrity of the case.
Legal Implications and Next Steps
With this second denial of bail, Sarah Wairimu is expected to remain in remand custody as the case proceeds to trial. The prosecution is reportedly preparing to present key witnesses, and the court has emphasized the need to protect witnesses and preserve the integrity of the evidence.
The case continues to attract public and media attention both in Kenya and abroad, with many viewing it as a test of Kenya’s judicial independence and capacity to handle high-profile murder cases involving influential individuals.
The next hearing date is expected to be set in the coming weeks.