High Court Gives John Matara Final Chance to Prepare Defence in Starlet Wahu Murder Case
News Updated: 19 June 2026 16:08 EAT
The main suspect in the murder of Starlet Wahu is musician John Matara
The High Court has granted murder suspect John Matara a final opportunity to prepare his defence in the case involving the killing of Starlet Wahu, following concerns over missed procedural requirements.
The court noted that the accused had not fully complied with directions on filing witness statements, prompting the latest order before the defence stage begins.
Matara is expected to present his defence on July 17, when the court has scheduled the next hearing in the high-profile murder trial.
The case arises from the death of Starlet Wahu, who was found dead in January 2024 at a short-term rental apartment in Nairobi’s South B area.
Investigators previously told the court that forensic analysis and witness accounts form part of the evidence linking the accused to the incident under investigation.
During earlier proceedings, the court ruled that the prosecution had presented sufficient material for the accused to be placed on his defence.
The judge emphasized that while the accused has a constitutional right to a fair trial, procedural compliance is necessary to avoid unnecessary delays in the case.
The court further directed that the defence must ensure readiness ahead of the July 17 hearing to allow the trial to proceed efficiently.
Prosecutors are expected to challenge the defence evidence once it is presented, as the matter moves into the next stage of hearing.
The trial has drawn significant public interest due to the circumstances surrounding the death and the broader concerns about violent crime in the capital.
Court records indicate that the proceedings remain active, with both sides expected to present additional material during the upcoming hearing sessions.
The High Court will continue to oversee the case until all evidence is heard and evaluated in line with criminal procedure requirements
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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