NAIROBI, Kenya – John Matara has told the High Court that socialite Starlet Wahu stabbed him during a confrontation over a Sh50,000 payment, as he presented his defence in the murder trial over her death.
Matara took the witness stand for the first time on Thursday, October 8, 2026, after the prosecution called 18 witnesses in the case.
Testifying before Justice Alexander Muteti, Matara recounted his version of events on January 3, 2023, when he met Wahu at an Airbnb in Nairobi’s South B area.
He denied knowing what happened to Wahu after he allegedly fled the room following the confrontation.
Matara Narrates Events At Airbnb
Matara told the court that he and Wahu had planned to spend the night together and that he checked into the Airbnb before she arrived.
He said Wahu called him at around 8pm and asked him to pick her up from the parking area and escort her to the room.
According to his testimony, the two later went to a nearby liquor outlet, where they bought a bottle of whiskey before returning to the Airbnb.
Matara said they became intimate, but a dispute arose afterwards when Wahu allegedly demanded Sh50,000 from him before leaving.
He told the court that he was shocked by the demand because he did not have the money and was expecting to receive Sh100,000 from a contractual job.
Matara said he called his sister to request a loan of Sh30,000, but she told him she did not have the money.
He claimed he asked Wahu to calm down and promised to pay her the following day.
Accused Claims He Escaped After Being Stabbed
Matara told the court that he returned from the bathroom and found Wahu standing between the wardrobe and the door.
He said he initially thought she wanted to be intimate again, but alleged that she suddenly produced a knife and demanded payment.
“Wahu pinned me down and stabbed me on the thighs and hands,” Matara told the court.
He further claimed that Wahu was screaming that nobody would leave the room alive if he failed to pay her.
Responding to questions from his defence lawyer, Samuel Ayora, Matara said he managed to escape after grabbing a towel to wipe blood from his wounds.
He testified that he ran to the lift, went downstairs and headed onto the road in search of a motorcycle rider who could take him to hospital.
Matara maintained that he left Wahu inside the room with the knife and did not know what happened to her afterwards.
His account forms part of his defence against the murder charge. The allegations he made about Wahu’s actions remain his testimony before the court.
Court Hears Of Online Working Relationship
Matara also told the court that he and Wahu had previously worked together on an online adult-content platform.
He said he had backend access to her account.
The prosecution has presented 18 witnesses, with evidence including CCTV footage, photographs, a blood-stained knife and towel, mobile phones, condoms, HIV testing kits, syringes, women’s clothing and forensic reports.
The court also heard DNA evidence linking Matara and Wahu to some of the items recovered during investigations.
The evidence forms part of the prosecution’s case against Matara, who is defending himself against the murder charge.
Cross-Examination Set For December
The prosecution is expected to cross-examine Matara on December 16, 2026, when proceedings resume.
The cross-examination is expected to test his account of the events leading up to Wahu’s death and the circumstances under which he says he left the Airbnb.
The court will consider the evidence presented by both sides before determining the case.
