In a virtual court appearance at the Makadara Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) offices, murder suspect John Matara vehemently denied the charges of killing socialite Starlet Wahu. The court session, presided over by Justice Kanyi Kimondo at the Milimani Law Courts on February 2, 2024, saw Matara dressed in a black suit and matching tie, maintaining his innocence against charges outlined in sections 203 and 204 of the Penal Code.

Despite Matara's denial, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has expressed its intent to oppose his release on bond, signaling a potential legal battle ahead. Consequently, Matara will remain in custody until February 26, 2024, when his bail application is scheduled for consideration.

Matara's arrest unfolded shortly after he presented himself at Mbagathi Hospital, reportedly with stab wounds. The police assert that he committed the murder at a short-stay apartment in South B, a Nairobi suburb.

CCTV footage from the building depicted Matara and the socialite, who happened to be the sister of prominent pastor Vincent Kanyari, entering the premises engaged in conversation. Matara is alleged to have rented the apartment in the area before enticing Wahu, whom he met on a dating site, into the residence.

Wahu's lifeless body was discovered in a pool of blood within the apartment, bearing multiple stab wounds. In an exclusive interview, Pastor Kanyari expressed shock, stating that he had never seen Matara before, emphasizing that his sister fell victim to a tragic fate due to love.

Recounting the unfortunate incident, the preacher revealed that Wahu had called him during the early hours of the morning, but he was asleep and couldn't answer. Hours later, her lifeless body was found.

"We had not seen the man before. We learned about him after her death. This is so tragic for us, the family, and even her friends. May her soul rest in peace," Pastor Kanyari lamented in the interview.

Despite the heartbreak, the preacher highlighted the positive trajectory of Wahu's life and shared memories of their last meeting during the Christmas season. Wahu was laid to rest on Saturday, January 6, at her parents' home in Kamulu, Ruai, Nairobi County. The cause of her death was reported as stab wounds to the head and right thigh during the tragic incident.