The prosecution of Sarah Wairimu Kamotho, who is charged with the murder of her late husband, Tob Cohen, continued today before Hon. Lady Justice Kavedza Diana Rachel at the High Court of Kenya at Kibera, with four witnesses giving evidence on events and Cohen’s movements shortly before his disappearance.
Taking the stand, the 13th prosecution witness, Davis Njuguna Kamau, a former chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, recounted his interactions with Sarah and events at the couple’s Lower Kabete residence on 19 July 2019.
He said Sarah had previously spoken to them about marital difficulties and alleged that Cohen was abusive.
He further told the court that he and his friend Peter Karanja later went to the residence after Karanja received a distress call from Sarah, who said she was experiencing domestic challenges and that police officers were at the residence to harass her.
At the gate, they encountered four people in civilian clothes who identified themselves as police officers from Spring Valley Police Station.Later, according to the witness, Cohen came out of the house and questioned their presence.
He made a telephone call concerning people he said were claiming to be police officers in his compound and subsequently drove away.
The prosecution then turned to evidence concerning Cohen’s movements later that day. Denis Gekona, then Chief Security Officer at Muthaiga Golf Club, identified club records relating to Cohen’s presence and activity at the club on 19 July 2019.
He, however, told the court that the available records did not establish Cohen’s exact departure time.The court also heard evidence concerning Cohen’s subsequent presence at Plums Hotel.
Michael Wainaina Karuthai, who worked there as a waiter, recalled serving Cohen that night and said he was later joined by Margaret Wanjiru and two other women.
He told the court that Cohen eventually left the premises at about 1:30 a.m. and that it was the last time he saw him.That account was followed by evidence from Aggrey Ingano Muhalamu, then a bartender at Plums Hotel, who also recalled serving Cohen.
He testified that Cohen settled his bill after a small altercation between him and his friend Margaret Wanjiru. According to the witness, Margaret was prevented from leaving with Cohen.
Cohen departed between approximately 1:30 a.m. and 2:00 a.m., and the witness described him as jovial at the time.
Through the four witnesses, the prosecution placed before the court evidence relating to Cohen’s interactions and movements during the period immediately preceding his disappearance, as the Republic continues presenting its case.
The hearing continues tomorrow, with the ODPP expected to call additional witnesses.
The ODPP continues to place its evidence before the court in furtherance of its constitutional mandate, ensuring that the case is prosecuted professionally, independently, and in accordance with the law and due process.
