Sarah Wairimu Cohen freed from prison on 5 conditions

Sarah Wairimu, widow of the late Tob Cohen, has been released on Ksh.2 million bail.

The High Court in Nairobi on Friday ordered that Wairimu either deposits bail or two sureties of Ksh. 2 million each.

“Court was not shown evidence that the accused person has another passport and Prosecution has not shown that she will abscond court,” the ruling reads.

Justice Stella Mutuku faulted the Prosecution for stating lack of abode as a reason to deny the accused bail or bond.

According to the judge, it is clear that Wairimu not having a home was not of her own doing.

The Judge maintained that there was no dispute that her residence was taken over by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) as a scene of crime.

The court further dismissed the argument that the accused would interfere with witnesses.

“I believe the Prosecution has secured the witnesses under the witness protection Agency,” the Judge added.

Testimonials

Justice Mutuku however directed that before her release, Wairimu provides testimonials from her father Japheth Kamotho.

Proof of accommodation

She is also to provide testimonials from her friends Lucy Mwangi and Betty Wamaitha as proof that they are willing to accommodate her.

“The accused will also provide her own testimonial as proof of how she will sustain herself during the trial period,” the ruling reads.

Barred from matrimonial home

Wairimu has also been barred from going to her matrimonial home.

In the event she needs to pick any necessary items, Wairimu will be required to make an application in court and state the items she intends to collect.

No contact with Cohen siblings

Wairimu has also been barred from contacting Cohen’s siblings; Gabriele Cohen and Bernard Cohen or any of her former employees.

“The accused shall not go anywhere near any businesses operated by the deceased namely Kenya Golf safaris and Lotus Care Travel, whether or not they were jointly owned or not until further directives by the court,” read the ruling.

Cohen, a tours and travel magnate who had lived in Kenya since 1987, went missing in July this year.

His body was later found in an underground tank at his Kitisuru home with the legs and hands bound.

Wairimu, the main suspect in the murder case, has been in remand at the Lang’ata Women’s Prison for over 40 days.