Former Gatundu North MP Patrick Kariuki Muiruri has testified in the High Court in Kibera about the final phone conversation he had with the late Dutch businessman Tob Cohen. Muiruri stated that Cohen sounded terrified during their 15-to-20-minute phone call on the day he is believed to have been killed. Muiruri, who had known Cohen for about 30 years, claimed that Cohen expressed fears over his safety due to prolonged marital disputes and alleged violence involving his wife Sarah Wairimu.
Muiruri told the court that Cohen had confided in him about problems in his marriage, including his intention to divorce Wairimu. Cohen had also raised concerns about his property, alleging that his wife had taken title deeds and was planning to establish a hotel in Othaya. Muiruri stated that Cohen had previously mentioned these issues to him, including during a game of golf where he shared his plans to divorce Wairimu.
Muiruri also recounted learning of Cohen's disappearance and becoming suspicious after reports emerged that the businessman had travelled abroad for medical treatment. Wairimu had publicly maintained that her husband was in Bangkok, Thailand, receiving treatment and would return home. Muiruri's suspicions led him to approach the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), convinced that his friend had been killed.
Cohen's body was discovered on September 13, 2019, in a septic tank at his Kitisuru home in Nairobi, weeks after he had been reported missing. The prosecution alleges that the businessman was murdered and his body concealed in the septic tank, where it remained for weeks before investigators recovered it. Wairimu is standing trial over Cohen's murder, with the prosecution continuing to present evidence surrounding the circumstances of his death.
During the trial, former government chemist forensic scientist John Kimani Mungai presented forensic evidence in the case. The exhibits included clothing Cohen was reportedly wearing around the time of his death and a plastic bag suspected to have been used to cover his body before it was placed in the septic tank. This evidence is part of the prosecution's case against Wairimu.
Muiruri's testimony also revealed that Cohen had told him he feared for his life due to the violence and threats he had received from Wairimu. Muiruri stated that Cohen had said, "if anything bad happens to me, that's Sarah." This testimony supports the prosecution's allegations that Wairimu was involved in Cohen's murder.
The hearing is scheduled to continue on Wednesday, with the prosecution expected to present more evidence in the case. Wairimu's trial continues, with the court hearing testimony from various witnesses, including Muiruri, who had been a longtime friend of the victim.
Key points
- Former MP Patrick Kariuki Muiruri testified that Tob Cohen feared for his life due to marital disputes and alleged violence from his wife Sarah Wairimu.
- Muiruri recounted a 15-to-20-minute phone conversation with Cohen on the day he is believed to have been killed, during which Cohen sounded terrified.
- The prosecution presented forensic evidence, including clothing and a plastic bag, as part of its case against Wairimu in the murder trial.
