This archive report was first published on 22 October 2019.
On September 16, 2019, the High Court issued orders barring the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) George Kinoti and the prosecution from addressing the media on the investigations and evidence in the murder of Dutch tycoon Tob Cohen. However, DCI Kinoti has dismissed a contempt of court application filed against him by Sarah Wairimu, claiming he disobeyed these orders.
According to the application, DCI Kinoti allegedly disobeyed the court orders by inferring Sarah Wairimu's guilt. However, in his response, DCI Kinoti accused Sarah Wairimu and her lawyer Phillip Murgor of engaging in a calculated move to control the investigations and the trial process.
“The application is a deliberate and contrived scheme by the applicant and her lawyer to prematurely argue her innocence,” DCI Kinoti stated.
He further alleged that the application is an attempt at undermining the prosecution and investigation agencies in the material trial. DCI Kinoti also accused Sarah Wairimu and her lawyer of abusing advocate/client privilege and using the application to channel their malevolence against the DPP and DCI.
DCI Kinoti maintained that he is entitled to issue public statements in respect of the investigations and subsequent charges of any crime as provided by law and constitution. He also stated that it is the duty of law enforcers worldwide to provide full information where crime has been committed.
