Starlet Wahu Murder: Forensic Evidence Connects Matara to Killing

The High Court in Nairobi heard forensic evidence linking John Matara to the killing of Starlet Wahu, with DNA findings placing both the accused and the deceased at the scene.

Government chemist Emily Okworo testified before the Milimani High Court that DNA analysis was conducted on items recovered from a rented apartment in South B, where Wahu’s body was found. She said blood samples taken from a kitchen knife and a white towel matched Wahu’s DNA profile.

Ms Okworo also told the court that semen recovered from a used condom at the scene matched Matara’s DNA. The prosecution said this evidence directly connected the accused to the apartment at the time of the killing.

Under questioning, Ms Okworo confirmed that all the blood samples analysed were human. She added that some exhibits contained traces of Matara’s own blood, a point raised by defence lawyers Samuel Ayora and James Mochere, who suggested this could indicate the accused was injured during the incident.

The defence further questioned the presence of blood from an unidentified person that was reportedly collected near the main gate outside the apartment. Ms Okworo clarified that this sample was not linked to the interior of the room where the body was found.

Several exhibits were presented in court, including the blood-stained knife, a towel, women’s shoes and a bra. A police officer who attended the scene described it as severe and violent, stating that Wahu appeared to have suffered a sustained attack.

Security guard Joseph Ndung’u testified that he saw Matara leaving the premises wearing khaki trousers with visible blood stains, a towel around his neck and a black cap. Matara, who remains in custody, has denied the charge. 

His lawyers continue to challenge the prosecution’s reliance on forensic evidence, arguing that the presence of multiple DNA profiles creates uncertainty about the sequence of events. The hearing is ongoing, with more witnesses expected to testify as the court considers both the scientific evidence and witness accounts.