Starlet Wahu murder: DNA evidence links John Matara to murder weapon

Starlet Wahu murder: DNA evidence links John Matara to murder weapon

In the ongoing murder trial of John Matara Ong’oa, the prosecution has bolstered its case with expert testimony linking the accused to the death of 24-year-old socialite Starlet Wahu.

Appearing before Justice Alexander Muteti at the Milimani High Court, Government Chemist Emily Oporo provided critical forensic links by testifying that the DNA profiles from both Starlet Wahu and John Matara were found on the knife believed to be the murder weapon and a towel recovered from the scene.

This evidence, presented by Prosecution Counsel Della Wilbey and later shared on X by the ODPP, physically connects Matara to the items found at the fatal January 3, 2024, crime scene at Papino Apartments.

Horace Arwa, the arresting officer from South B Police Station, detailed the grim discovery of the scene, testifying that upon arriving at house Y32, "he found the body of a woman lying naked in a pool of blood, who was later identified as Starlet Wahu."

The investigation quickly shifted to a manhunt after reports surfaced of a man near South B Hospital carrying a blood-soaked towel.

Arwa eventually tracked Matara to Mbagathi Hospital, where the accused was found receiving medical care with his clothes drenched in blood and a white towel wrapped around his waist.

The ODPP noted that when Arwa confronted the suspect at the hospital, "Matara admitted to having a scuffle with her and stated that he stabbed her on the left thigh."

Following his medical discharge, Matara was arrested alongside Andrew Nyongesa, who had allegedly taken him to the facility.

The officer confirmed he seized the suspect's blood-stained clothing as exhibits, which have now been produced in court as the trial continues today, February 11, 2026.