By Dorothy Musyoka
The murder trial of Sarah Wairimu Cohen, widow of the late Dutch businessman Tob Cohen, officially commenced with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) laying out what it terms a “compelling and watertight case” against the accused.
In a opening statement before Justice Diana Kavedza, Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecution Gikui Gichuhi described the couple’s marriage as “toxic and riddled with conflict,” asserting that these tensions culminated in a calculated act of murder on July 19, 2019.
“The evidence you will hear throughout this trial will establish, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the accused, Sarah Wairimu Cohen, is the one who killed her husband, Tob Cohen,” the prosecution declared.
Cohen was reported missing for 54 days before his decomposing body was discovered in an underground water tank within the couple’s Kitisuru home on September 13, 2019.
According to the DPP, the murder was premeditated and executed in cold blood.
The prosecution’s case rests on evidence combination of forensic analysis, witness testimony, DNA results, cybercrime forensics, expert autopsy reports and entomology studies.
The ODPP aims to establish a clear link between Wairimu and the alleged murder, claiming she orchestrated and committed the crime without remorse.
Notably, the DPP framed the trial not just as a pursuit of justice for one man, but as a moment to confront the often-silenced issue of abuse against men within intimate relationships.
Wairimu, who had previously been released, was re-arrested in January 2025 following a fresh review of the case that confirmed sufficient grounds for a formal murder charge.
Last month, the ODPP successfully opposed her bail application.
Read more:http://Kibera High Court Denies Sarah Wairimu Cohen Bail, Citing Witness Intimidation Risk
The first witness testified on 3rd April 2025 at the crime scene.
A second witness is set to take the stand tomorrow Friday 4th April 2025.
Leading the prosecution team are Vincent Monda, Wangui Gichuhi, Ebby Maswai, Sarah Ogweno, Peris Maina, Christine Timoi and Lindah Mwamburi.