By Andrew Kariuki

The murder trial of Sarah Wairimu Kamotho continued on Tuesday, with the court hearing testimony from a former employee at the home of the late Dutch businessman Tob Cohen.

The witness told the court that July 19, 2019, was the last day he saw Cohen alive. Upon returning to work a few days later, he found Cohen missing and was allegedly instructed by Sarah Wairimu to inform anyone making inquiries that Cohen had travelled to Thailand for medical treatment.

According to the witness, the explanation raised questions because Cohen had disappeared without prior notice. He testified that the instruction appeared intended to prevent people from questioning Cohen’s whereabouts.

The court also heard that shortly before his disappearance, Cohen had allegedly complained to the employee about a domestic altercation, claiming that Wairimu had injured his face during a dispute at their residence.

During cross-examination and reference to earlier testimony, the witness recalled observing unusual activity near the property’s septic tank area. He stated that he noticed several mounds of soil on a concrete slab and saw workers clearing vegetation and covering the area, something he had not observed previously.

The prosecution further referred to evidence indicating that Cohen had engaged lawyer Judy Thongori to pursue legal action against Wairimu over claims he believed were false and defamatory. The proposed action reportedly included both civil and criminal proceedings.

Sarah Wairimu, represented by advocate Pravin Bowry, was present in court as witnesses recounted events surrounding the period before Cohen’s disappearance and eventual death.

The matter was adjourned and is scheduled to resume on June 15, 2026.