John Matara, the accused in the murder of socialite Starlet Wahu, has taken the stand to defend himself against the charges. On October 8, 2026, Matara testified before Justice Alexander Muteti, providing a detailed account of the events that led to Wahu's death on January 3, 2023. According to Matara, he and Wahu had planned to spend the night together, meeting at a Papino Airbnb in South B. Matara claimed he arrived at the Airbnb and waited for Wahu, who had informed him she was running late.
Matara described Wahu as "a pretty and romantic girl" who was dressed in a micro miniskirt when she arrived. The two went to a nearby liquor joint, where they bought a bottle of Hunter Choice before returning to the Airbnb. Matara told the court that they engaged in a sexual session, during which Wahu made several video calls to her friends. He also claimed that Wahu introduced him to recording explicit adult content during their sexual encounters. The sexual encounter was recorded and the video remained on a mobile phone later confiscated and formatted by the DCI.
According to Matara, the situation took a turn when Wahu allegedly demanded KSh50,000 for her services before leaving. Matara claimed he did not have the full amount and was expecting KSh100,000 from a contractual job he had completed for a company. He said Wahu continued demanding payment, prompting him to call his sister for a KSh30,000 loan. However, his sister did not have the money. Matara told the court that he then asked Wahu to calm down and promised to pay her the following day before they checked out.
Matara testified that he went to the washroom and, upon returning to the bedroom, found Wahu standing between the wardrobe and the door. He claimed he stretched his arms to hug her, but she gently pushed him onto the bed. Matara said he initially interpreted the move as an invitation for another sexual encounter, but claimed Wahu instead brandished a knife and demanded payment. He alleged that Wahu pinned him down and stabbed him on his thighs and hands while screaming that no one would leave the room alive if he failed to pay.
Matara described how he managed to escape, saying he swerved and managed to pick up a towel, which he used to wipe blood from his wounds. He then ran to the lift, went downstairs, and headed to the road in search of a rider who could take him to hospital. Matara maintained that he left Wahu inside the room with the dagger and did not know what happened to her afterwards. He told the judge that he went to the hospital to save his life and did not know what happened to Starlet after that.
Matara also told the court that he and Wahu had previously engaged with each other and were jointly running an OnlyFans pornography account. He said he had backend access to Wahu's account, where nude photographs and videos were posted for an online audience. The prosecution has so far called 18 witnesses who gave evidence linking Matara to the circumstances surrounding Wahu's death. The exhibits presented in court included photographs, CCTV footage, a blood-stained knife, a blood-stained white towel, mobile phones, condoms, HIV testing kits, eight syringes, women's undergarments, a passport, and medical and forensic reports.
The court also heard DNA evidence linking Matara and Wahu to some of the recovered items. Investigators further testified on the circumstances surrounding the discovery of Wahu's body and Matara's arrest. The case continues with the prosecution presenting more evidence and witnesses to testify against Matara.
Key points
- John Matara testifies in court about the night of Starlet Wahu's death, detailing a sexual encounter, money dispute, and knife attack.
- Matara claims Wahu demanded KSh50,000 for her services and brandished a knife when he couldn't pay.
- The prosecution presents 18 witnesses and forensic evidence linking Matara to the circumstances surrounding Wahu's death.
