DNA Evidence and CCTV Footage Tighten Case Against John Matara in Starlet Wahu Murder Trial
News Updated: 13 February 2026 16:58 EAT
New evidence has been presented in court linking John Matara Ong’oa to the murder of socialite Starlet Wahu Mwangi, the sister of Pastor Victor Kanyari.
The murder trial of Starlet Wahu has taken a decisive turn after forensic experts told the Milimani High Court that DNA samples recovered from an Airbnb apartment in Nairobi directly link prime suspect John Matara to the killing.
Wahu, aged 26, was found dead on January 4, 2024, inside a short-stay apartment in the South B area of Nairobi. Investigators reported that the door to the unit had been locked from the outside and that there were visible blood stains within the room, prompting a homicide probe.
A post-mortem examination established that she had sustained multiple stab wounds, with injuries concentrated on the head and thigh. Prosecutors say the pattern of injuries indicated a violent struggle inside the apartment.
CCTV footage retrieved from the building’s surveillance system showed Wahu entering the premises with a man later identified as Matara. The footage reportedly captured him leaving the apartment alone hours later.
Police tracked the suspect to Mbagathi Hospital, where he had sought treatment for injuries shortly after the incident. Officers testified that he was arrested at the facility and taken into custody for questioning.
In court, a government analyst detailed the forensic process used to examine exhibits recovered from the scene, including a blood-stained knife, used condoms, a towel and other personal items. DNA profiles generated from these items were compared with reference samples obtained from both the deceased and the accused.
The analyst testified that the DNA extracted from key exhibits matched Matara’s profile. The prosecution maintains that the scientific findings place him at the centre of the fatal encounter.
Investigating officers further told the court that personal belongings of the deceased, including clothing and shoes, were documented and preserved as part of the evidentiary chain. A syringe and capsules were also reportedly recovered during the scene processing.
Matara was formally charged with murder and pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in February 2024. His defence team has since challenged the handling and analysis of the forensic samples, raising questions about the chain of custody and possible contamination.
Detectives have dismissed suggestions of a third party’s involvement, telling the court that evidence gathered from CCTV footage, witness statements and forensic analysis points to a single suspect.
The case has drawn significant public attention and renewed national debate over violence against women, with lawmakers referencing the killing during parliamentary discussions on femicide and public safety.
Proceedings at the High Court are ongoing, with additional witnesses expected to testify as the court evaluates the weight and admissibility of the forensic evidence presented by the prosecution.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD