The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) has opposed the release of Sarah Wairimu Cohen on bail pending the testimony of two key witnesses.
Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Vincent Monda told the court that they are ready to present the two witnesses and that the release of Sarah will cause interference in the case.
“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution has opposed the release of Sarah Wairimu Cohen, the widow of the late Dutch tycoon Tob Cohen, on bail pending the testimony of two key witnesses under the Witness Protection Programme.
- Sarah Cohen remanded for four days pending mental assessment
- Mombasa-based doctor charged for allegedly raping a dialysis patient
Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Vincent Monda, told the court that the prosecution is ready to present the two key witnesses to testify as soon as possible, and thereafter Wairimu may make an application to review the bail terms.” said ODPP
“My Lady, the prosecution has two witnesses under witness protection who will testify in camera. We have also filed an affidavit by Assistant Superintendent of Police Maxwel Otieno, opposing Wairimu’s release on bail due to concerns of witness interference,” said Vincent Monda
The court was further informed that some of the witnesses are close friends and former workers of the accused and releasing her will interfere with the whole case.
“In the affidavit, Mr. Otieno informed the court that some of the witnesses lined up by the prosecution are close friends and former workers of the accused, some of whom are well known to her.
He also stated that Wairimu was enjoined as an interested party in the inquest proceedings and was served with committal bundles and correspondence in the case. Police are apprehensive that she may attempt to contact the witnesses who were her employees and are not under witness protection.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Sarah Ogweno urged the court to deny the accused bail, citing that Wairimu had instructed her workers to lie about key material facts, which constitutes witness intimidation and interference.
She informed the court that the prosecution has information regarding how key witnesses were intimidated, coerced, and threatened, which led to their placement under the Witness Protection Programme.” said ODPP
The police have also requested the court to block Sarah from visiting the house as it is still an active crime scene until when the court visits it.
The bail hearing is scheduled for 18th February 2025.
