GEOFFREY MBUTHIA ENTERTAINMENT SUB-EDITOR

27 February 2024

• Police also expressed concerns for the safety of the apartment owner, as she physically interacted with Matara and shared her contact information.

It has now emerged how the prime suspect in Scarlet Wahu's murder, John Matara, was able to meet her.

According to a statement from the DCI, the prime suspect reportedly met the late on an online dating platform called "Bed Escorts" on January 1, 2024.

They physically met for the first time at a short-stay rental apartment in South B, Nairobi, two days later, where the tragic incident occurred.

This information was disclosed in an affidavit filed by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) opposing Matara's application for bail and bond terms.

According to Sergeant Alex Chokera of Makadara DCI offices, Wahu went to the apartment on January 3, 2024, at 7 pm, and Matara received her.

Later that evening, around 9 pm, Matara was seen leaving the apartment gate with blood-stained trousers and a towel around his neck.

The security guard, who witnessed Matara's unusual behavior, checked the CCTV footage, and the apartment owner was contacted. Upon entering the apartment, they discovered Starlet Wahu's lifeless body.

Sgt. Chokera expressed concerns for the safety of the apartment owner, as she physically interacted with Matara and shared her contact information.

The affidavit suggests that Matara might use her phone number to threaten or coerce the witness.

The affidavit also reveals that Matara faces multiple complaints from different women at various police stations.

Allegedly, he lured women to AirBnBs, committed criminal acts, and fled. The reported incidents include rape, indecent acts, threats, extortion, and assault, with complaints from Thika and Nairobi CBD.

Matara, who claimed false identification as Fredrick Opondo, sought treatment at South B Hospital after leaving the crime scene. He alleged that he had been stabbed by thieves.

In his bail and bond application, Matara expressed readiness to comply with any court terms and denied allegations of interfering with witnesses.

The court postponed the matter to March 18 to allow Matara's lawyer, Samuel Ayora, more time to prepare in response to the late submission of the prosecution's opposing arguments.