Judge to Matara: No more excuses in Wahu murder trial

John Matara, the key suspect in the murder of socialite Starlet Wahu has been given a final warning by the court about postponement of the case. [File]

The High Court has granted murder suspect John Matara a final opportunity to prepare his defence in the trial over the killing of socialite Starlet Wahu, younger sister of pastor Victor Kanyari.

Justice Alexander Muteti on Friday adjourned the defence hearing to July 17, warning that no further delays would be tolerated when the matter resumes next month.

The adjournment followed an application by Matara's lawyers, who claimed they had not been supplied with complete typed court proceedings and needed additional time to prepare their client before he takes the stand.

Defence counsel James Mochere submitted that they were ready to proceed with three intended witnesses but required missing proceedings relating to several prosecution witnesses, including PC Elizabeth Njuguna and medical doctor Joseph Murugu. He argued that no prejudice would be occasioned to the prosecution, whose case had already been closed.

The prosecution did not oppose the application but requested that witness statements from the three defence witnesses be furnished before the next hearing date. However, lawyers representing Wahu's family opposed the bid, accusing the defence of employing delay tactics and failing to comply with court orders requiring them to supply witness statements by June 17, 2026.

Justice Muteti disclosed that the court registry had already completed typing proceedings for all witnesses who had testified, including those cited by the defence. He adjourned the matter to 17 July 2026 and directed Matara's lawyers to supply statements from the three intended defence witnesses to the prosecution and the victim's family within seven days. The judge warned that no further adjournments would be entertained and urged the defence to put its house in order.

The case stems from Wahu's killing, whose body was discovered at an Airbnb apartment in Nairobi's South B area on January 4, 2024.

Last month, Justice Muteti ruled that Matara had a case to answer after the prosecution established a prima facie case, presenting DNA evidence, CCTV footage and forensic testimony. Matara, who denies the murder charge, is expected to begin his defence on July 17.