This archive report was first published on 21 September 2019.
On September 20, 2019, Tob Cohen's will was opened in the presence of his family members and friends, marking a significant step in the process of settling his estate.
However, the event was boycotted by Cohen's widow, Sarah Wairimu's, lawyer, Philip Murgor, who claimed that the confidential nature of the will had been severely compromised.
According to Chege Kirundi, the lawyer who had been custodian of the will, the contents of the document would remain private until the matter came up for probate hearing.
"We will not discuss any details contained in the will at this time," Kirundi said. "The details will be in public domain when this matter comes up for probate hearing."
Cliff Ombeta, representing Gabrielle Van Straten, said that Wairimu's lawyers were invited to the event but declined under instructions from their client.
"We invited Sarah but she has not come. We have waited for them for long but they have not come nor sent a representative," Ombeta said.
Cohen's family, including Gabrielle and her brother Bernard, refused to speak to the press at Kirundi's office.
It is reported that Cohen has left behind significant assets, including money in bank accounts, shares in various companies, and immovable property.
Wairimu intends to fight any attempt to disinherit what legally belongs to her, according to her lawyer.
"If there is an attempt to interfere with her property rights in her matrimonial home or even in the company, she will fight it in court all the way to the Supreme Court," Murgor said.
A copy of an affidavit jointly sworn by Cohen and Wairimu on May 18, 2007, reportedly shows that the two jointly owned their house in Kitisuru.
Based on this affidavit, Murgor says that even if Cohen was to give up his claim over the property, Wairimu would still remain with 50%.
