The High Court in Kibera has once again denied Sarah Wairimu Kamotho’s application for bail, ordering that she remain in custody at Lang’ata Women’s Prison as she awaits trial for the 2019 murder of her husband, Dutch businessman Tob Cohen.
Lady Justice Diana Mochache ruled on Monday that there had been no substantial change in circumstances to warrant a review of the earlier bail decision, despite renewed efforts by the defence to secure her release.
The prosecution, led by Acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Vincent Monda, strongly opposed the application, citing ongoing concerns about Wairimu’s conduct.
Monda told the court that Wairimu had allegedly intimidated prosecution witnesses, tampered with the crime scene, and posed a flight risk.
The court concurred, noting evidence that Wairimu had acquired a second passport while her original travel document remained in police custody an act the judge described as deceptive and indicative of a potential escape plan.
“The likelihood of interference with witnesses and evasion of justice remains real,” Justice Mochache said in her ruling. “The court must prioritise the protection of witnesses and the integrity of the criminal justice process.”
While the court denied bail, it granted permission for Wairimu’s defence team to visit the crime scene, located in the Lower Kabete area of Nairobi County, where Cohen’s body was discovered in a septic tank in September 2019.
However, the visit will be conducted under strict supervision to ensure that no evidence is tampered with.
Sarah Wairimu is accused of murdering Cohen on July 19, 2019. The case has drawn significant public and media attention due to the high-profile nature of the victim and the circumstances surrounding his death.
The matter is scheduled for mention on July 30, 2025, when the court will issue further directions regarding the trial.
Wairimu has remained in custody since her arrest in 2019, with multiple attempts to secure bail being denied. Her legal team has indicated they may consider appealing the latest decision.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case remains one of Kenya’s most closely watched murder trials in recent years.
Written By Ian Maleve
