Tob Cohen Feared for His Life Before Disappearance, Murder Trial Hears

Fresh details have emerged in the murder trial of Dutch businessman Tob Cohen, with a former Member of Parliament telling the court that the late businessman feared for his life in the months leading up to his disappearance.

Former Gatundu North MP Patrick Kariuki Muiruri gave the testimony while being cross-examined in the case against Cohen's widow, Sarah Wairimu Kamotho, at the Kibera High Court in Nairobi on Monday, November 9, 2026.

Muiruri, who described himself as a longtime friend of Cohen, told the court that the businessman had confided in him about serious problems in his marriage and his intention to divorce his wife.

According to the witness, Cohen had expressed concerns about his personal safety and alleged incidents of violence within their matrimonial home.

Cohen Allegedly Feared Returning Home

Muiruri told the court that Cohen had repeatedly spoken about feeling unsafe before his disappearance.

He recalled a telephone conversation with the businessman on July 19, 2019, during which Cohen allegedly expressed fear about returning to his home.

The witness said Cohen had previously discussed marital disagreements, alleged assaults and concerns that authorities had not adequately addressed his complaints.

Muiruri further testified that Cohen had told him to hold his wife responsible if anything happened to him.

The testimony was presented as part of the prosecution's effort to establish the circumstances surrounding Cohen's final days and his state of mind before he disappeared.

Marriage Disputes and Divorce Plans

The court also heard that Cohen had discussed plans to end his marriage with Wairimu.

According to Muiruri, the businessman had raised concerns about alleged interference with property documents and financial matters involving his business.

He reportedly told his friends that he wanted to divorce his wife following prolonged disagreements over their relationship and property.

Muiruri also recalled an incident at a social gathering at Cohen's residence, where the couple allegedly had a public disagreement.

The witness's account forms part of the wider evidence being presented in court concerning the state of the couple's marriage before Cohen's disappearance.

The allegations remain subject to scrutiny during the trial.

Defence Challenges Witness's Credibility

During cross-examination, defence lawyer Pravin Bowry challenged Muiruri's conclusions about Wairimu's alleged involvement in Cohen's disappearance and death.

The defence questioned whether the witness had independent information establishing that Cohen had been murdered when he first raised concerns about his disappearance.

Bowry also questioned Muiruri about his relationship with Wairimu, suggesting that personal differences could have influenced his testimony.

Muiruri's evidence is expected to be assessed alongside other witness accounts and forensic material presented by the prosecution.

Property Disputes Also Feature in Proceedings

The court also heard testimony from advocate Geoffrey Chege Kirundi, who handled some of Cohen's property-related legal matters.

Kirundi reportedly told the court about discussions concerning a proposal to have the couple's matrimonial home registered in their joint names.

He said Cohen later abandoned the proposed transfer and subsequently instructed him to remove Wairimu from his will, naming his sister as a beneficiary instead.

The testimony adds another dimension to the prosecution's account of the disputes that allegedly characterised the couple's relationship before Cohen's death.

Background to the Tob Cohen Murder Case

Tob Cohen, a Dutch businessman who had lived in Kenya for several years, was reported missing in July 2019.

His body was discovered in September 2019 inside a septic tank at his residence in the Lower Kabete area of Nairobi, prompting a major investigation that attracted local and international attention.

His widow, Sarah Wairimu Kamotho, was subsequently charged with his murder and has denied the accusation.

The prosecution has presented witnesses and forensic evidence as it seeks to establish the circumstances surrounding the businessman's death.

The defence, meanwhile, has challenged aspects of the prosecution's evidence and the investigation.

Trial Continues as Court Examines Evidence

The latest testimony is part of the ongoing effort by the High Court to reconstruct the events leading to Cohen's disappearance and death.

The case has featured accounts of alleged domestic disputes, property disagreements, police complaints and forensic findings from the couple's residence.

As proceedings continue, the court will be required to evaluate the evidence presented by both sides before reaching a determination.