Sarah Wairimu, widow of the late Tob Cohen, a former Philips East Africa CEO, appeared at the Kibera High Court today as her murder trial officially began.

Wairimu is accused of killing Cohen on July 19, 2019, at their home in Nairobi’s Lower Kabete area. The case has drawn significant public interest due to its high-profile nature and the circumstances surrounding Cohen’s death.

Key developments in the case

Wairimu was re-arrested in January 2025 after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) reviewed new evidence implicating her in Cohen’s murder. The DPP stated that there is overwhelming evidence linking her to the crime.

She was first arrested in 2019 after Cohen’s body was found in a septic tank at their Kitisuru home. However, she denied involvement, claiming she was framed, and the charges were dropped in favor of an inquest.

The prosecution team, led by Vincent Monda, Wangui Gichuhi, Ebby Maswai, Sarah Ogweno, Peris Maina, Christine Timoi, and Lindah Mwamburi, is determined to prove Wairimu’s involvement in the crime. Justice Diana Kavedza is presiding over the trial.

Due to concerns about witness intimidation and interference, the court has denied Wairimu bail, and she remains in custody at Lang’ata Women’s Prison.

A debate arose over whether Wairimu should undergo a fresh mental evaluation. The defense opposed the request, citing a previous assessment conducted in 2019. The court ruled that the earlier evaluation was sufficient for trial proceedings.

The prosecution has presented its opening statement and called the first witness. As part of the trial procedure, the court is expected to visit the crime scene. The case will continue with pre-trial directions scheduled later this month.

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