Two key prosecution witnesses on Tuesday gave crucial testimony in the ongoing murder trial of John Matara Ong’oa at the Milimani Law Court, as the nation seeks to prove its case in the murder of a 24-year-old socialite, Starlet Wahu on the night of January 3,2024, at Papino Apartments in South B, Nairobi.
Appearing before Justice Alexander Muteti, Government Chemist Emily Oporo told the court that the DNA analysis linked both the accused and deceased to knife believed to be the murder weapon, as well as to a towel recovered from the crime scene.
Laboratory tests, according to Oporo’s testimony, confirmed the presence of Starlet Wahu’s and Matara’s DNA on the two exhibits, strengthening the argument by prosecution that the accused directly handled the items during the fatal encounter.
The court also heard testimony from the arresting officer attached to South B Police Station, Horace Arwa, who gave a detailed account on how Matara was tracked down apprehended on the night of the incident.
Arwa said he responded to a distress report from two women who had discovered a woman lying naked in a pool of blood inside apartment Y32, and she appeared to be dead. The victim was later identified as Starlet Wahu.
According to his testimony, investigations led the police to South B Hospital after witnesses reported seeing a man carrying a towel soaked in blood. The suspect was traced to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was receiving treatment for injuries and had blood-stained clothes, and a white towel wrapped on his waist.
The officer testified that when questioned, Matara admitted to having a scuffle with the victim and stated he stabbed her on the left thigh. However further interrogation was deferred due to his medical condition.
Upon his discharge, Matara was apprehended alongside Andrew Nyongesa, who allegedly assisted him in seeking medical attention. The police recovered and secured the blood-stained clothing and booked them as exhibits, which were later presented in court during his testimony.
Matara has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. The trial, which has drawn significant public attention, continues today, February 11, 2026, with additional witnesses expected to be presented before the court as the prosecution builds its case.
