Former MP Patrick Muiruri has told the High Court in Kenya that Dutch businessman Tob Cohen expressed grave fears for his safety days before his death. Muiruri, a close friend of Cohen for 30 years, testified before Lady Justice Diana Rachel Kavedza on October 12, 2026. Cohen's body was discovered in an underground water tank at his Nairobi compound in September 2019, weeks after family members reported him missing.
Muiruri recalled a chilling warning allegedly made by Cohen during their final phone call. “If anything bad happens to me, or I am found dead somewhere, tell them it is Sarah,” Muiruri testified. This statement has become a key part of the murder trial against Sarah Wairimu Kamotho, who faces murder charges connected to her husband’s death. The prosecution, led by Senior Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Vincent Monda, called three witnesses to build its case against Wairimu.
Marital disputes and distress calls were a significant part of the testimony. Muiruri testified that Cohen confided in him on July 15, 2019, regarding his intent to file for divorce. Cohen cited escalating marital friction, misappropriation of company funds, and the alleged theft of property documents. Four days later, on July 19, 2019, Cohen reached out to Muiruri again, expressing hesitation and fear about returning to his matrimonial residence.
The court also heard about a public confrontation between the couple during a wedding in December 2018. Muiruri testified that Wairimu interrupted her husband and addressed him directly: “This is not your house.” This incident is one of several events that prosecutors say demonstrate a troubled marriage and potential motives for the murder.
The prosecution presented testimony from Mary Mutisya, a law firm clerk, who said Wairimu requested a search of land records associated with Cohen’s property. Mutisya noted that Wairimu sent mobile money payments via M-Pesa to follow up on an application to withdraw a caveat registered against the land. Shortly afterward, Mutisya learned through news reports that Cohen was missing.
Government analyst John Mungai submitted several physical exhibits into evidence, including clothing belonging to the late businessman, a curtain retrieved from inside the underground water tank, a yellow polythene bag that covered the body, and a red robe recovered from the property. These exhibits are part of the forensic evidence being used to build the case against Wairimu.
The High Court scheduled the hearing to resume on October 14, 2026, as state prosecutors continue calling witnesses. The case against Sarah Wairimu Kamotho continues to unfold, with the prosecution presenting its evidence and witnesses to support the charges of murder.
Key points
- Tob Cohen expressed fears for his safety before his death, telling a friend to tell authorities that Sarah was responsible if anything happened to him.
- The prosecution presented several witnesses and pieces of evidence, including testimony from a law firm clerk and a government analyst.
- The case against Sarah Wairimu Kamotho will continue with further witness testimony and evidence presentation.
