Witnesses in the murder trial of Dutch-Kenyan businessman Tob Cohen have described his movements and activities on the night he was last seen in July 2019, giving the High Court an account of his final known hours before his disappearance. Three witnesses who worked at entertainment and social venues frequented by Cohen testified about his visits that evening, saying he spent time having drinks before leaving during the early hours of the following morning. Cohen disappeared on July 19, 2019, and his body was discovered about two months later in a septic tank at his Kitisuru residence in Nairobi.
Cohen Spent Evening at Muthaiga Golf Club
Dennis Gekona, who worked at Muthaiga Golf Club, told the court that Cohen had visited the facility earlier that evening. According to Gekona, Cohen was served drinks and food during his stay. The witness recalled that the businessman ordered two tots of Jameson at one point, followed later by another two tots.
Gekona further told the court that Cohen ordered two samosas at about 9:55pm. The testimony provided the court with a timeline of Cohen’s movements before he later proceeded to another entertainment establishment in Parklands.
Bartenders Recall Cohen’s Visit
Michael Wainaina and Aggrey Ingano, who worked as bartenders at a Parklands entertainment establishment, also testified about Cohen’s visit. Wainaina told the court that Cohen was a regular customer who frequently visited the establishment, particularly on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. He said Cohen enjoyed listening to music while sitting at the counter and drinking whiskey.
Ingano recalled that Cohen arrived at approximately 12:30am and went directly to the counter, where he ordered a drink. A woman later joined him, and Cohen bought her a drink, according to the witness.
No Unusual Behaviour Noted
The witnesses told the court that Cohen’s behaviour that night did not appear unusual. They, however, recalled a brief disagreement involving some of the women who were in his company. The testimonies are expected to assist the court in establishing Cohen’s movements during the hours leading up to his disappearance and in determining the circumstances surrounding his final known whereabouts.
Cohen’s Disappearance and Discovery of His Body
Cohen was reported missing in July 2019, prompting a search that continued for several weeks. His body was eventually discovered approximately 60 days after his disappearance, concealed inside a septic tank within the compound of his home in Kitisuru. The discovery brought a major development in the investigation and led to the prosecution of his wife, Sarah Wairimu, who has been facing trial over his death.
The prosecution has presented evidence concerning events surrounding Cohen’s disappearance, including allegations regarding communications and instructions given to domestic workers after he went missing. Wairimu has denied the charges against her, and the case remains before the High Court.
More Witnesses Expected
The prosecution is expected to continue presenting evidence as the trial proceeds. The High Court is scheduled to hear testimony from four additional witnesses on Thursday, with the proceedings expected to shed further light on the events surrounding Cohen’s disappearance and death. The court will ultimately consider all the evidence presented by both the prosecution and defence before determining the case.
