The murder of Dutch businessman Tob Cohen remains one of Kenya's most closely watched unresolved murder cases. Seven years after Cohen disappeared from his Nairobi home, the criminal trial of his widow, Sarah Wairimu Kamotho Cohen, is still underway before the High Court at Kibera.
Importantly, Wairimu has pleaded not guilty and remains legally presumed innocent unless and until the prosecution proves the charge beyond reasonable doubt. The evidence now being heard is prosecution evidence; testimony from witnesses is subject to cross-examination and ultimately to the court's assessment.
THE DISAPPEARANCE
Tob Cohen, a Dutch businessman who had lived and worked in Kenya for many years, disappeared in July 2019.
The prosecution alleges that the events leading to his death occurred during the night of July 19–20, 2019, at the couple's residence in the Lower Kabete area of Nairobi. Wairimu is accused of murdering him jointly with other persons who are not before the court.
She has denied the allegation.
According to evidence being presented at the current trial, Cohen's movements on the night of July 19 are now an important part of the prosecution's reconstruction of his final hours.
On September 30, 2026, witnesses testified about his movements at several Nairobi locations, including his Lower Kabete home, Muthaiga Golf Club and Plums Hotel. Other witnesses who worked at entertainment establishments told the court that Cohen spent part of the evening drinking whiskey before leaving after midnight.
THE BODY WAS FOUND IN A SEPTIC TANK
The disappearance initially generated enormous public interest because Cohen could not be located.
Approximately two months later, investigators searching the property discovered his decomposed remains concealed inside a septic tank.
The recovery has become one of the central pieces of physical evidence in the murder prosecution.
In June 2026, the High Court watched hours of forensic video documenting the search and recovery operation. A DCI forensic analyst, Benutychus Wanjohi, presented 279 video recordings showing investigators searching the compound and eventually opening a reinforced septic tank.
The court heard that the recovery operation involved homicide detectives and government forensic personnel.
Among items investigators documented were rope, a yellow nylon bag, black fabric, a red bathrobe and freshly mixed concrete consisting of cement, sand and ballast. Investigators also documented materials around the septic tank that prosecutors say may be relevant to the concealment of the body.
The forensic evidence is particularly important because the prosecution must ultimately establish not merely that Cohen died, but how he died, whether his death amounted to murder, and what evidence connects the accused to the offence.
THE MARRIAGE HAD ALREADY COME UNDER POLICE ATTENTION
One of the most significant developments in the current trial is evidence concerning the relationship between Cohen and Wairimu before his disappearance.
The court has heard evidence from police officers and former household employees concerning repeated domestic disputes.
On September 28, 2026, police officers testified about incidents involving the couple that had previously been reported to police stations including Parklands, Spring Valley and Gigiri.
A former employee, Chrispinus Shihemi, also described confrontations between the couple.
He told the court about disagreements involving property documents kept in a safe at the residence. According to his testimony, Cohen once instructed him to open the safe, but the employee declined. The safe was subsequently taken outside and opened with a drill, after which Cohen reportedly indicated that he had obtained what he wanted.
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