Businessman Tob Cohen feared for his life before he disappeared, a witness told the murder trial of Cohen's wife, Sarah Wairimu Kamotho. Citizen Digital reported the testimony on Monday. The witness, identified only as Muiruri, spoke under cross-examination.
Muiruri said Cohen had confided in him about alleged assaults and threats during their troubled marriage. He said Cohen wanted to divorce his wife because he feared for his safety. He also recalled a call from Cohen on the night of July 19, when Cohen allegedly raised the same fears.
Muiruri said those conversations made him suspect Cohen had been killed when he learnt of the disappearance. He told the court Cohen had asked him to hold Wairimu responsible if he was found dead.
Defence lawyer Parvin Bowry challenged that conclusion. He asked whether Muiruri had any information confirming a murder when he reported his concerns. He also asked whether the witness had already decided Wairimu was responsible before the circumstances of the disappearance were established.
Bowry also questioned Muiruri's credibility. He suggested the witness's relationship with Wairimu had shaped his testimony. He asked whether Muiruri harboured hostility towards her and whether he had once made romantic advances towards her. Citizen Digital did not report Muiruri's answers.
The court also heard from advocate Geoffrey Chege Kirundi, who handled Cohen's property matters. Kirundi said the couple had discussed placing their matrimonial home in their joint names. He said Cohen later abandoned the planned transfer.
Kirundi testified that Cohen then instructed him to remove Wairimu from his will and name his sister instead. The court also heard that Cohen had started divorce proceedings during the marital dispute.