Main Suspect in Starlet Wahu’s Murder John Matara Faces New Charges of Robbery and Rape in Ruiru Law Courts
Written by moradio on 6 March 2024
NAIROBI, Kenya, March 6- A man accused of the murder of socialite Starlet Wahu faced charges of rape and robbery with violence in Ruiru Law Courts.
John Matara appeared before Magistrate Charles Mwaniki, charged with offenses allegedly committed on May 16, 2023. According to the presented charge sheet, it is claimed that armed with a kitchen knife, Matara robbed his victim of Sh88,300 at Kahawa Wendani.
The alleged stolen sum included Sh18,300 from M-pesa, Sh30,000 in cash, a phone valued at Sh25,000, and another worth Sh15,000. Matara is also accused of taking the victim’s ID, international passport, and family bank ATM card, and using actual violence on her before the robbery.
Additionally, Matara faces charges of rape and sexual assault. The charge sheet alleges that he unlawfully manipulated the victim’s legs to cause penetration on the same day.
Matara denied all charges, asserting his innocence. His lawyer, Samuel Ayora, requested the court to grant him reasonable bond terms, citing Matara’s stable residence and lack of flight risk. Ayora also reported alleged physical assault on Matara by DCI officers during transportation, urging the court to provide medical treatment and submit a medical report.
The Prosecution, led by Ms. Moraa, opposed the bond request, citing another pending case and ongoing investigations into similar matters involving Matara.
