Trial: Chilling Details Emerge in Sarah Wairimu’s Alleged Murder of Tob Cohen

The murder trial of Sarah Wairimu Kamotho, accused of killing her husband, Dutch businessman Tob Cohen, resumed Friday at the High Court in Nairobi, with prosecutors revisiting grim details of the crime scene at the couple’s Kitisuru residence.

Key testimony came from Frank Anunda, a retired officer from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Crime Scene Support Service.

Anunda recounted the September 13, 2019, discovery of Cohen’s body in a sealed underground water tank on the property.

Investigators, acting on suspicion, broke open the cemented tank and found a black cloth-wrapped bundle inside.

Upon unwrapping it, they uncovered Cohen’s remains—his legs, hands, and neck bound, showing signs of torture prior to death.

Anunda presented forensic evidence, including 105 photographic prints across six booklets, documenting the body’s retrieval and subsequent autopsy.

The post-mortem revealed severe injuries: broken ribs, blunt force trauma to the head, and other wounds consistent with extreme violence.

Dental records, notably Cohen’s distinctive golden tooth, confirmed his identity.

Additional evidence collected from the residence included biological samples from bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas, all critical to the prosecution’s case.

Justice Diana Kavedza denied Wairimu’s latest bail application, citing her “lack of remorse” and alleged attempts to intimidate witnesses and law enforcement. The court also ordered Cohen’s home preserved under police custody for further testimony.

Cohen was reported missing on July 20, 2019; his decomposing body was found nearly two months later.

Prosecutors allege Wairimu murdered him on July 19 or 20 at their Lower Kabete home.

After initial charges were dropped in favor of an inquest, new evidence led to revived charges.

The high-profile case has fueled public speculation, particularly regarding motives tied to Cohen’s Sh500 million estate. The trial adjourned until May 7, 2025.