A waiter at Plums Hotel in Parklands has testified in court that Dutch businessman Tob Cohen left the bar alone on the night of July 19, 2019, before he went missing. Michael Wainaina told the Kibera High Court that Cohen was a regular at the bar and usually left between 12:30 am and 1 am, often with Margaret Wanjiru. On that night, Wainaina described Cohen as "charming, joyful" around midnight, sitting at the counter and ordering a drink.
Wainaina's testimony detailed that Wanjiru joined Cohen, then left to dance, and two other women joined him, buying them drinks. When Wanjiru returned, she was upset and caused a scene. Cohen walked away, requested music, and began to sing, saying he did not want to see Wanjiru again. At about 1:45 am, as Cohen was leaving, Wanjiru caused another disturbance, scratching the face of bouncer Hillary and tearing his shirt.
According to Wainaina, Cohen was helped and provided with security, then got into his car and left alone. About 15 minutes later, Wanjiru came back and sat down. Wainaina later heard on television that Cohen was missing and eventually found dead at his compound. He described Cohen as "a quiet and humble man" who "would drink and go".
Bartender Aggrey Ingano corroborated Wainaina's account, saying Cohen arrived and was joined by a woman, singing and dancing as he drank. After his second drink, Cohen paid and told the bartender he was leaving and did not want to be followed by anyone. Ingano told the woman not to follow Cohen, but she did, and a bouncer tried to restrain her.
The testimony was given during a court hearing against Sarah Wairimu Cohen, who is accused of murdering her husband, Tob Cohen, jointly with others not before the court, on the night of July 19 and 20, 2019. Cohen, a former CEO of Philips Electronics East Africa, was reported missing on July 19, 2019, and his body was found in a septic tank at the couple's Kitisuru home in September 2019.
Sarah Cohen was first arrested in 2019 but was released when the Director of Public Prosecutions withdrew the charges in 2022. She was re-arrested in January 2025 and charged afresh after a case review uncovered new evidence. She denied the murder charge and remains in custody after the court declined bail, citing concerns over witness intimidation, flight risk, and interference with the scene of crime.
The hearing was adjourned due to an absent witness, with four other witnesses expected to testify. The case will continue on October 1 at 10 am. Sarah Cohen has also been charged with giving false information to a public officer in a separate case.
Key points
- - Cohen was seen leaving the bar alone on the night of July 19, 2019. - A disturbance was caused by Margaret Wanjiru as Cohen was leaving. - The case against Sarah Cohen will continue with further witness testimonies.
