A former housekeeper at the home of slain Dutch businessman Tob Cohen has testified about the events leading up to Cohen's death. Chrispinus Shihemi, who served as both a gardener and housekeeper at the couple's Lower Kabete home, appeared before Justice Diana Kavedza at the High Court in Kibera. Shihemi's testimony covered several incidents he observed while employed at the property, including a heated squabble between Cohen and his wife, Sarah Wairimu.
Shihemi revealed that after witnessing the confrontation, he woke at around 5 am the following morning and instead of heading straight for the gate, he made himself a full meal of ugali and omena, ate it, and only then set off for home. This casual admission drew visible amusement from Justice Kavedza, the prosecutor, and those seated in the public gallery. The judge quipped, "Mluhya lazima tu ataje chakula," a remark that sent laughter rippling through the courtroom.
Beyond the moment of levity, Shihemi's testimony covered several serious incidents he observed while employed at the property. He told the court that he once heard Cohen scream for help and rushed to find him on the floor near the stairs, bleeding from the head. Shihemi added that Cohen asked him to use his phone's flashlight to examine and photograph his injuries.
The witness also described a disagreement between the couple over a safe kept in the master bedroom. Cohen reportedly asked Shihemi to help move and open it, but it was eventually opened by another man who arrived with a drill. After the safe was opened, Cohen left and later returned with documents. Wairimu allegedly told Shihemi she already knew the safe's code and claimed Cohen's interest in the documents was tied to plans to sell property.
Shihemi further testified about a visit he made to the residence in July 2019 after his employment there had ended. Wairimu told him Cohen had travelled abroad for medical treatment, but he noticed several of Cohen's personal belongings were no longer in the house. He later learnt that Cohen had been reported missing and that Wairimu had been arrested.
Cohen's body was subsequently discovered inside a septic tank at his Kitisuru property. Wairimu has denied the murder allegations and continues to face trial before Justice Kavedza as the prosecution builds its case. The trial has garnered significant attention due to the nature of the crime and the prominence of the individuals involved.
The case continues to unfold, with the prosecution presenting its evidence to the court. Shihemi's testimony has provided valuable insights into the events leading up to Cohen's death, and the court will consider his statements as part of the overall evidence in the case. Wairimu's defense team will have the opportunity to respond to the prosecution's claims and present their own case.
Key points
- - Chrispinus Shihemi, a former housekeeper, testified about cooking ugali before leaving Tob Cohen's home, amusing the judge and court attendees. - Shihemi's testimony covered several incidents he observed while employed at the property, including a heated squabble between Cohen and his wife, Sarah Wairimu. - Cohen's body was discovered inside a septic tank at his Kitisuru property, and Wairimu continues to face trial for the murder.
