John Matara, the suspect in the murder of socialite Starlet Wahu, appeared before Justice Alexander Muteti in the High Court and provided a detailed account of the events leading up to her death on January 3, 2024. Matara claimed that he met Wahu through an online platform in mid-2023 and had two previous encounters, one at Sankara Hotel, Westlands, and another at the same location. He stated that they arranged to meet on New Year's Day 2024 at an Airbnb unit in South B, which he booked for Sh3,200.
According to Matara, Wahu arrived at the Airbnb unit around 8 pm in a red Uber, and he paid Sh350 for the fare. The pair then purchased a 750 ml bottle of whisky and spent the evening drinking, listening to music, and recording themselves on video. Matara claimed that they engaged in consensual sexual activity after taking a negative HIV test. However, a dispute arose over an outstanding Sh15,000 and a new Sh35,000 charge, with Wahu demanding a total of Sh50,000.
Matara described a violent episode in which Wahu allegedly attacked him with a knife, inflicting multiple thigh wounds, a head injury from a fall, and additional cuts to his palms as he tried to escape the bedroom. He claimed that he fled the apartment, was confronted by Wahu's shouted threats, and managed to reach a fourth-floor corridor before descending stairs and entering a lift where he encountered shocked bystanders.
Matara stated that he attempted to flag down boda-boda riders and eventually secured two who took him to a medical facility. He collapsed at the entrance, was taken to an emergency theatre, and later transferred to Mbagathi Hospital after staff indicated his bleeding could not be controlled. While receiving treatment, armed police arrived with two women identified as the Airbnb hosts.
Matara claimed that after being asked for identification and his phone, he was handcuffed and arrested on suspicion of murder, despite maintaining that he left Wahu alive and never handled the knife. He has been in custody for nearly three years and expressed hope that forensic analysis of the knife and a padlock would exonerate him.
Matara reiterated that his sole aim on the night of the incident was to escape and obtain medical help. He also stated that he sent Sh20,000 via M-Pesa to Wahu and promised to pay the remainder the next morning after an expected Sh100,000 project payment. The court heard that Matara initially paid Sh35,000 for a night's encounter at Sankara Hotel and later returned for a second meeting, paying only Sh20,000.
The case continues with further testimony and evidence to be presented. Key points in the case include Matara's claim of self-defense, the dispute over payment, and the forensic evidence that may exonerate him.
Key points
- John Matara denies any role in Starlet Wahu's murder.
- Matara claims Wahu attacked him with a knife.
- Forensic analysis may exonerate Matara.
