Wairimu Re-Arrested Over Tob Cohen’s Murder as New Evidence Emerges

Nearly five years after the death of Dutch businessman Tob Cohen, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed the re-arrest of Sarah Wairimu, his wife, following the emergence of new evidence implicating her in his murder.

Wairimu was first arrested in 2019 after Cohen’s body was discovered in a septic tank on September 13, 2019, at their home in Lower Kabete, Nairobi. She was released after the case was withdrawn in 2021 by then-DPP Noordin Haji, who instead ordered an inquest.

Current DPP Benson Ingonga has now authorized Wairimu’s re-arrest, citing “overwhelming evidence” that she was involved in Cohen’s death. “Upon independent and thorough review of the new material, the DPP is satisfied that Wairimu was involved in the death of Tob Cohen,” read a statement from the DPP to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Wairimu was arrested on January 23, 2025, and is currently detained at Kilimani Police Station. She is set to appear before the Milimani Law Courts today, January 24, to take a plea.

This development follows dissatisfaction among investigators regarding the decision to withdraw the murder trial in favor of an inquest. Wairimu and her co-accused, Peter Karanja, had previously denied the charges and were released on a cash bail of Ksh2 million each.

Wairimu has consistently maintained her innocence, claiming in 2020 that Cohen was killed while she was in police custody. Cohen, a former Philips executive, fell in love with Kenya during his career and made it his home until his tragic death.

The case continues to attract significant public attention, with calls for justice for the slain businessman.