A chilling account of businessman Tob Cohen’s final days has resurfaced in court, with former MP Patrick Muiruri testifying that Cohen feared for his life shortly before he disappeared in 2019. Muiruri told the court that Cohen had expressed concern about returning to his matrimonial home and made a warning naming his wife, Sarah Wairimu Kamotho. The testimony came as the high-profile murder trial continued, with witnesses also discussing property records and exhibits allegedly linked to the case.
Highlights
- Former MP Patrick Muiruri recounted his last conversation with Tob Cohen before the businessman disappeared.
- Cohen allegedly told Muiruri he feared for his safety and planned to divorce his wife.
- A law firm clerk testified about requests involving land records and an application to withdraw a caveat.
- A government analyst presented exhibits that included clothing and items reportedly recovered during investigations.
- The court hearing was scheduled to continue on October 14, 2026.
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Former MP Recalls Cohen’s Alleged Final Warning
The murder trial involving Sarah Wairimu Kamotho has taken another turn after former MP Patrick Muiruri described a conversation he said he had with businessman Tob Cohen shortly before his disappearance.
Testifying on October 12, Muiruri told the court that Cohen had expressed fears about his safety and asked him to pass on a message should anything happen to him.
Muiruri, who described Cohen as a friend of approximately three decades, said the conversation was their last exchange.
The testimony was presented as the prosecution continued building its case against Wairimu, who is charged in connection with her husband’s death. The allegations remain subject to determination by the court.
Witness Describes Alleged Marital Disagreements
Muiruri also recounted an incident at a wedding in December 2018, where Cohen and Wairimu allegedly had a disagreement in front of other guests.
According to his testimony, the exchange included a remark by Wairimu challenging Cohen’s position in their matrimonial home.
The former MP further told the court that on July 15, 2019, Cohen had discussed plans to end the marriage.
Muiruri said Cohen cited alleged problems involving property documents, company funds and difficulties in the relationship.
Four days later, on July 19, Cohen reportedly contacted him again and expressed concern about going back to the couple’s home. Muiruri said that conversation became their final communication.
The testimony provides the court with an account of the concerns Cohen allegedly shared with his friend before he went missing. However, the claims recounted by the witness must be assessed alongside the other evidence presented during the trial.
Court Hears Details of Property Records
Another witness, Mary Mutisya, who works as a clerk at a law firm, testified about requests she allegedly received from Wairimu concerning land records associated with Cohen’s property.
Mutisya told the court that Wairimu later sent her money through M-Pesa and asked her to follow up on an application seeking the removal of a caveat registered against the property.
A caveat is a formal notice recorded against a property title that can help protect an interest in the land by restricting certain dealings until the relevant issue is addressed.
Mutisya said she subsequently learned through media reports that Cohen had been reported missing.
Her testimony introduced another aspect of the case, focusing on property-related dealings and the steps allegedly taken before the businessman disappeared.
Analyst Presents Items Linked to Investigation
The court also heard from government analyst John Mungai, who presented exhibits connected to the investigation.
Among the items mentioned were clothing allegedly belonging to Cohen, a curtain reportedly recovered from inside a water tank, a red robe and a yellow polythene bag.
The court heard that the bag had covered Cohen’s body when it was recovered from his compound.
The exhibits form part of the material being presented as the prosecution seeks to establish the circumstances surrounding the businessman’s death.
Their significance will depend on the evidence and explanations considered by the court as the proceedings continue.
Murder Trial Continues
The hearing was scheduled to resume on October 14, 2026, as the prosecution continued presenting witnesses.
The case has attracted considerable public attention because of the circumstances surrounding Cohen’s disappearance and death, alongside testimony concerning his marriage and property affairs.
As more witnesses take the stand, the court will have to examine the different accounts and pieces of evidence before reaching any determination.
Wairimu remains charged in connection with Cohen’s death, and the allegations against her have not been established as fact merely by the testimony heard so far.
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In a case where personal relationships, property disputes and forensic evidence intersect, the central question remains: what will the evidence ultimately establish about the events that led to Tob Cohen’s death?
