By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
The High Court in Kibera has refused to grant bond to Sarah Wairimu Cohen following objections from the prosecution regarding her release.
Sarah Wairimu, the spouse of the deceased Dutch businessman Tob Cohen, will remain in custody at Langata women’s prison until the testimonies of two crucial witnesses are presented.
She is accused of having killed her husband on July 19, 2019, in the Lower Kabete region of Nairobi County.
In a ruling delivered on Tuesday by Hon. Lady Justice Diana Kavedza, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions reported that the court ruled that the prosecution proved with sufficient evidence the likelihood of witness intimidation and interference.
Justice Kavedza stated that Sarah’s case is of public interest where a life was lost in the most heinous manner.
“It is my considered view therefore that the principal of justice and public interest out way the accused right to liberty at this stage” ruled justice Kavedza.
She further stated that the court must safeguard the trials integrity’ by protecting witnesses and preventing potential interference.
“The Court declined the accused’s application for bail and stated that the accused shall remain in custody until after the two key witnesses have testified,” the ODPP said on an X post.
Wairimu was re-arrested following a review of the murder case by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, who concluded that there was adequate evidence to formally charge her with murder.
The prosecution of the case was carried out by Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Vincent Monda, Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Gikui Gichuhi, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Sarah Ogweno, and Prosecutors Peris Maina and Livia Gachanja.
The matter will be mentioned on 26th February 2025 for pretrial directions.