Sarah Wairimu, the widow of Dutch businessman Tob Cohen, will remain behind bars. On Tuesday, the High Court rejected her latest attempt to be freed on bail marking the third such denial since her arrest.
Justice Diana Kavedza ruled that Wairimu poses a threat to the integrity of the trial. The judge cited concerns about witness intimidation, possible flight risk, and interference with the crime scene as key reasons for the decision.
“The court must protect witnesses and preserve the integrity of the trial,” said Justice Kavedza. “It is my considered view that the principles of justice and public interest outweigh the accused’s right to liberty at this stage.”
Wairimu is accused of murdering Cohen, her husband, whose body was discovered stuffed inside a septic tank at their home in Kitisuru, Nairobi, in July 2019. She pleaded not guilty earlier this year when the trial formally began.
This most recent bid for bail came after two key witnesses for the prosecution completed their testimony in April. Wairimu’s lawyers argued that their testimonies marked a significant shift in the case and removed the original fears tied to witness tampering.
But the court disagreed.
“The court did not guarantee release once the witnesses testified,” Justice Kavedza clarified. “Instead, it merely opened the door for reconsideration, provided compelling circumstances were shown.”
One of the central allegations presented during the bail hearing involved claims that Wairimu directly confronted one of the witnesses, Corporal Pascal Buana, during court proceedings. The police officer told the court that Wairimu whispered the phrase “shame on you” to him three times an act the court viewed as intimidation.
This behaviour, according to Justice Kavedza, added weight to the argument that Wairimu might interfere with the case if released.
The ruling means that Wairimu will remain in custody at Lang’ata Women’s Prison until the murder trial concludes.
The case has captivated the public since it first broke. Cohen, a well-known figure in Nairobi’s elite circles and a former Philips East Africa executive, vanished under mysterious circumstances in 2019. His body was later found hidden in a homemade underground tank sparking widespread shock and media attention.
Wairimu has long maintained her innocence. Her defence team argues that she is being unfairly targeted and that the trial is being politicised.
About the Author
