John Matara to court: Scarlett Wahu stabbed me multiple times
John Matara, currently on trial for the murder of Starlet Wahu, testified in court that he was the victim of a violent attack by the deceased. He claims the encounter turned deadly after a dispute over payment for sexual services.
Why it matters
This case is a high-profile criminal proceeding that has drawn significant public attention to issues of gender-based violence and safety in the gig economy.
John Matara testifies during the defence hearing in the case of the late Starlet Wahu at Milimani High Court, Nairobi, on October 8, 2026 /LEAH MUKANGAI
John Matara has told the High Court that he was defenceless when Scarlett Wahu allegedly overpowered him and stabbed him multiple times.
On Thursday, Matara, who is accused of murdering Wahu, gave sworn testimony describing the events that led to the violent encounter inside an apartment on January 3, 2024.
Appearing before Justice Alexander Muteti, Matara told the court that he first met Wahu through an online escort-advertising website around July or August 2023.
He contacted her using the phone number on her advertisement and arranged paid sexual encounters. Their first meeting, he said, went well and he paid the agreed fee.
He said a subsequent encounter left an outstanding balance, which he promised to clear at their next hookup.
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