The High Court of Kenya at Kibera has heard testimonies about the final hours of Tob Cohen, whose disappearance has led to his widow, Sarah Wairimu Kamotho, facing murder charges. The prosecution presented four witnesses who recounted Cohen's movements and interactions on July 19, 2019. The witnesses described events at Cohen's Lower Kabete home, his visit to Muthaiga Golf Club, and his appearance at Plums Hotel, where he was last seen.
Davis Njuguna Kamau, the 13th prosecution witness and former chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, testified about his previous interactions with Sarah Cohen. He stated that Sarah had spoken to them about difficulties in her marriage, alleging that her husband was abusive. Kamau also claimed that Sarah had received distress calls and asked for help, leading him and his friend Peter Karanja to visit the couple's residence.
During their visit to the Lower Kabete residence, Kamau and Karanja encountered four people in civilian clothing who claimed to be police officers from Spring Valley Police Station. Cohen emerged from the house, questioned the individuals, and made a phone call before driving away. The prosecution presented this evidence to establish a timeline of Cohen's movements before his disappearance.
The court heard that Cohen visited Muthaiga Golf Club, where Denis Gekona, the Chief Security Officer, produced records showing Cohen's presence and activities on July 19, 2019. However, Gekona stated that the records did not specify the precise time Cohen left the club. This information was crucial in reconstructing Cohen's movements on the day of his disappearance.
Cohen later went to Plums Hotel, where he spent part of the night. Michael Wainaina Karuthai, a waiter at the hotel, testified that he served Cohen during his visit. Karuthai recalled that Cohen was accompanied by Margaret Wanjiru and two other women before leaving the hotel at around 1:30 a.m. Another witness, Aggrey Ingano Muhalamu, a bartender at Plums Hotel, corroborated Karuthai's testimony.
The testimonies provided the prosecution with a detailed account of Cohen's movements and interactions before his disappearance. The prosecution is expected to continue calling witnesses when the case resumes. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) aims to present its evidence professionally, independently, and in accordance with the law and due process.
The case against Sarah Wairimu Kamotho, Cohen's widow, continues at the High Court of Kenya at Kibera. The prosecution's evidence has highlighted the events leading up to Cohen's disappearance, and the court will hear further testimonies in the coming days. The ODPP is committed to ensuring that justice is served in this case.
Key points
- The prosecution presented four witnesses who recounted Tob Cohen's movements and interactions on July 19, 2019.
- The court heard that Cohen visited Muthaiga Golf Club and Plums Hotel before his disappearance.
- The prosecution's evidence aims to establish a timeline of Cohen's movements and interactions before his disappearance.
