John Matara Claims Self-Defense in Wahu Murder Case

John Matara, the man accused of murdering socialite Starlet Wahu, has told the court that she allegedly attacked him first during a confrontation at an Airbnb in South B, Nairobi.

Matara claims that the altercation occurred after the two had just finished a sexual encounter. He alleges that when he attempted to initiate sex again, it triggered a confrontation, with Matara stating that Wahu was the aggressor. He has denied the charges of killing Wahu, maintaining that he acted in self-defense.

Starlet Wahu was a well-known socialite in Nairobi, often making headlines for her lifestyle and relationships. The incident reportedly took place in January 2024, and since then, the case has garnered significant media attention due to the nature of the allegations and the public profiles of both individuals involved.

The ongoing court proceedings have seen Matara's claims challenged by CCTV footage and witness accounts that reportedly link him to the crime scene, placing him at the apartment where Wahu's body was discovered. According to Nation, Matara also claims that Wahu attacked him with a knife after he failed to pay her KSh 50,000 for services rendered. The High Court has ruled that Matara has a case to answer, requiring him to present his defense, as reported by The Star.

As of October 2026, Matara is seeking acquittal, with his defense lawyers arguing for a lack of evidence against him, according to Dawan. The case continues to be a topic of public interest, reflecting the complexities of relationships and violence in contemporary Kenyan society.

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