A former employee of Tob Cohen, Chrispinus Shihemi, has told the High Court that a dispute over property documents stored in a safe was a major issue in Cohen's relationship with his wife, Sarah Wairimu. Shihemi, who worked as a gardener and later as a housekeeper for the couple, testified before Justice Diana Kavedza. He said Cohen once asked him to move the safe and open it, but Shihemi declined, which angered Cohen.
According to Shihemi, the safe was later taken outside the house, where another man arrived with a drill and opened it. Cohen appeared satisfied after the safe was opened and said: "I got what I wanted." Shihemi said Cohen later returned to the house carrying documents. He informed Wairimu about what had happened, and she allegedly said she knew the safe's code and that Cohen wanted to obtain land documents to facilitate the sale of property.
Shihemi also testified about an incident in February 2019 in which he heard Cohen calling for help late at night. On February 8, 2019, at about 10 pm, Shihemi heard Cohen shouting: "You are killing me, you are killing me." He rushed to the scene and found Cohen lying on the floor near the stairs, while Wairimu was allegedly holding a chair over him. Cohen was bleeding following the incident and later accused Shihemi of failing to intervene.
Shihemi said tensions between the couple worsened after the incident, with Cohen avoiding food prepared by Wairimu and instead preparing or buying his own meals. Shihemi later left the couple's employment but returned to the residence in July 2019 at Wairimu's request. She told him that the couple had resolved their differences and that Cohen had travelled abroad for medical treatment.
However, Shihemi noticed changes at the residence after his return, including missing clothes and Cohen's red briefcase. The arrangement of Cohen's belongings initially led him to believe Cohen had travelled outside the country. He later learned that Cohen was missing and that Wairimu had been arrested. Shihemi received correspondence from Cohen's lawyers concerning divorce proceedings, which had been initiated shortly before Cohen's death.
Cohen's body was later found inside a septic tank at his Kitisuru property. Wairimu has denied the murder allegations and is facing trial before the High Court. The court heard that Shihemi's testimony is crucial in understanding the events leading up to Cohen's death. The trial is ongoing, with the prosecution presenting its case against Wairimu.
The case has raised concerns about domestic disputes and the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully. The prosecution will continue to present its case, and Wairimu's defense team will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations. The court will ultimately determine Wairimu's guilt or innocence in the murder of her husband, Tob Cohen.
Key points
- A dispute over property documents stored in a safe contributed to the strained relationship between Tob Cohen and his wife, Sarah Wairimu.
- A former employee, Chrispinus Shihemi, testified about the incidents leading up to Cohen's death, including a violent argument between the couple.
- Wairimu has denied the murder allegations and is facing trial before the High Court.
