Lawyer representing Gabrielle Van Straten, sister to the murdered Dutch tycoon Tob Cohen, has explained why she left left the country on Saturday
According to lawyer Cliff Ombeta, Ms Van Straten is not allowed to attend her brother's burial due to strict Jewish religion customs.
“She was not to attend the burial because Jewish rites don’t allow women to be present. Only men attend such events,” Ombeta said as quoted by The Standard media.
Mr Ombeta said Ms Sarah Wairimu, Cohen's estranged wife, will be present in the burial that would take place on Tuesday at Jewish cemetery along Wangari Maathai Road.
A court sitting in Nairobi on Monday allowed Ms Wairimu, the prime suspect in the murder that left the country in shock, to attend the burial.
“According to the traditions, Sarah can go but only watch from a distance,” Ombeta explained.
Gabrielle had spearheaded for a speedy burial of her brother and therefore her sudden departure was unforeseen.
The controversial lawyer also said Gabrielle's departure was precipitated by the fact that she had been in the country for long and had to continue with other activities at her home country.
In the will left by the Dutch tycoon, Gabrielle is the major beneficiary. She's said to have been allowed to take 50 per cent of his empire and all money in bank accounts.