Fresh revelations have emerged in the murder trial of Dutch businessman Tob Cohen, with the court hearing how he abandoned plans to transfer his Kitisuru home into joint ownership with his wife before making significant changes to his Will.
Cohen’s longtime advocate, Geoffrey Chege Kirundi, told the court that his client had initially instructed him in 2009 to facilitate the transfer of the property into joint ownership with his wife, Sarah Cohen.
Testifying as Prosecution Witness 26, Kirundi said Cohen had acquired the property for KSh1.5 million before developing it into his residence.
However, the advocate advised against the proposed arrangement, noting that Sarah was already the sole beneficiary of Cohen’s existing Will.
Despite the advice, Cohen insisted on proceeding, prompting the preparation of the necessary transfer documents.
The transaction, however, never materialised after Cohen reportedly changed his mind and instructed his lawyer to stop the process before registration was completed.
Kirundi further told the court that Cohen later instructed him to revise his Will by removing Sarah and her daughter as beneficiaries and replacing them with his niece and nephew.
In another revelation, the advocate disputed suggestions that Cohen had travelled outside the country following his disappearance.
He told the court that Cohen had previously informed him that he had no plans to travel until October, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
The testimony is part of the prosecution’s efforts to establish the events leading to Cohen’s disappearance and eventual death, while presenting evidence touching on his personal relationships, property dealings and final wishes.
Cohen’s murder trial continues as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) presents witnesses and documentary evidence in support of the case.
