Former Gatundu North MP Patrick Kariuki Muiruri has told the court that businessman Tob Cohen repeatedly expressed fears for his life in the months before his disappearance in July 2019. Muiruri's testimony was given under cross-examination in the murder trial of Cohen's wife, Sarah Wairimu Kamotho. Wairimu is accused of killing Cohen on July 19, 2019. Muiruri stated that Cohen had confided in him about alleged assaults and threats during their troubled marriage.
Muiruri recalled that Cohen wanted to divorce his wife because he feared for his safety. He also remembered receiving a call from Cohen on the night of July 19, during which Cohen allegedly expressed similar concerns. These conversations led Muiruri to suspect that Cohen had been killed when he learned of his disappearance. Muiruri's testimony was challenged by defence counsel Parvin Bowry, who questioned whether Muiruri had any information confirming a murder when he reported his concerns.
Muiruri further testified that Cohen had told him to hold Wairimu responsible if he was found dead. The defence challenged Muiruri's credibility, suggesting that his relationship with Wairimu had influenced his testimony. Bowry questioned whether Muiruri harboured hostility towards Wairimu and whether he had previously made romantic advances towards her. This line of questioning aimed to discredit Muiruri's testimony and raise doubts about his impartiality.
The court also heard from advocate Geoffrey Chege Kirundi, who handled Cohen's property matters. Kirundi recounted discussions over a proposal to place the couple's matrimonial home in their joint names, saying Cohen later abandoned the planned transfer. He testified that Cohen subsequently instructed him to remove Wairimu from his will and name his sister instead. This testimony suggested that Cohen was taking steps to distance himself from Wairimu.
Kirundi's testimony also revealed that Cohen had initiated divorce proceedings amid the marital dispute. He is expected to continue his testimony on a later date. The court heard that Cohen's fears for his life were not unfounded, given the alleged assaults and threats he suffered during the marriage. These allegations form a crucial part of the prosecution's case against Wairimu.
The murder trial of Sarah Wairimu Kamotho continues to unfold with testimonies from key witnesses. Muiruri's and Kirundi's testimonies have provided insight into Cohen's state of mind before his disappearance. The defence has raised questions about the credibility of these witnesses, but the prosecution maintains that their testimonies are crucial to establishing Wairimu's motive and guilt.
The case has garnered significant attention in Kenya, with many following the developments closely. The prosecution's case relies heavily on the testimonies of witnesses like Muiruri and Kirundi. As the trial continues, the court is expected to hear from more witnesses and consider the evidence presented.
Key points
- Tob Cohen had expressed fears for his life to former MP Patrick Kariuki Muiruri before his disappearance in July 2019.
- Cohen had initiated divorce proceedings and taken steps to remove his wife from his will.
- The defence has challenged the credibility of key witnesses, including Muiruri and advocate Geoffrey Chege Kirundi.
