A businesswoman who rents short-stay houses in South B, Nairobi, offered key testimony in the ongoing murder trial of John Matara, the prime suspect in the killing of Starlet Wahu.
Testifying before the Milimani High Court, the woman recounted that on January 3, 2024, at around 5 pm, Matara contacted her to rent a house. He initially rejected her listing due to the lack of a balcony and was later connected to another house with the help of her colleague, which met his specifications.
She guided Matara on how to access the house, including directions to board a matatu and alight at Attick Place before proceeding to Papino’s apartment. After reaching the location, he asked for instructions to get inside. She directed him to the 4th floor, house number Y32, and told him the cleaner had just left, so the door was open.
Matara then informed her the house was suitable but said he would pay in cash. Instead of going herself, the witness instructed her cleaner to collect the money, keep a portion for cleaning services, and deliver the balance to her colleague, who would later send her commission.
At around 9 pm, her colleague called, stating the client had exited the apartment with a towel soaked in blood. Alarmed, the businesswoman rushed to the house and later proceeded to Hazina Police Station to report the matter. Police officers accompanied them back to the apartment, which was locked from the inside. Upon forced entry, they found a woman’s body kneeling near the door, surrounded by blood.
She attempted to call Matara ten times without success. On the eleventh attempt, a woman answered and claimed the phone’s owner was at South B Hospital. She sent a motorbike rider to verify, who later reported that Matara had been referred to Mbagathi Hospital. Police accompanied her to Mbagathi, where they found Matara receiving treatment and subsequently arrested him.
During cross-examination, the defense asked if she had witnessed Matara commit the murder. She confirmed she had not.
The case is set to continue on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 9 am.
