Sarah Wairimu, the widow of Dutch tycoon Tob Cohen, was re-arrested on Thursday, January 23, 2025, and is set to face fresh murder charges related to her husband’s death in 2019. The move follows the Director of Public Prosecutions’ (DPP) directive after receiving new material evidence.
Renewed Investigation and Fresh Charges
The DPP, Renson Ingonga, announced that Wairimu would be charged with murder under Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code. The charges stem from allegations that she murdered Tob Cohen on the night of July 19–20, 2019, in Lower Kabete, Nairobi County.
“Wairimu’s impending arraignment follows the receipt of new material related to Cohen’s death from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI),” the DPP stated. The DPP’s office also confirmed an independent review of the evidence, leading to the decision to terminate an earlier inquest and reinstate murder charges.
Background of the Case
Cohen’s body was discovered on September 13, 2019, in a septic tank at the couple’s Kitisuru home. A prominent businessman who had lived in Kenya for 32 years, Cohen had been missing since July 2019. Wairimu was initially arrested and charged with murder but denied the charges and was released on bond.
In a controversial move, former DPP Noordin Haji had withdrawn the case in November 2022, citing insufficient evidence. However, the new developments under DPP Ingonga signal a reversal of that decision.
Key Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Detectives from the Homicide Investigations Bureau arrested Wairimu on January 23 and detained her at Kilimani Police Station. She is expected to take a plea during her court appearance on Friday, January 24, with the trial set to commence immediately.
The DPP’s office reaffirmed its commitment to upholding justice, emphasizing the importance of the rule of law, public interest, and preventing abuse of the legal process.
Calls for Accountability
Wairimu has previously raised allegations of misconduct against former DCI boss George Kinoti, accusing him of fabricating evidence and conducting biased investigations. Kinoti, who had visited the crime scene after Cohen’s body was discovered, had implicated Wairimu as the prime suspect.
Wairimu’s lawyer, Philip Murgor, has called for an investigation into Kinoti’s role in the case, particularly concerning alleged false claims about the involvement of Court of Appeal judge Sankale Ole Kantai.
Public Interest in a High-Profile Case
The murder of Tob Cohen captured national attention due to its shocking details and high-profile nature. The re-arrest of Sarah Wairimu and the reopening of the case mark a significant development in the pursuit of justice. Authorities remain committed to ensuring a fair trial while addressing lingering questions about the investigation and prosecution.
Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing case as it unfolds in the Kenyan legal system.
