John Matara Asked For Ksh500K From Starlet Wahu Before Killing Her- Pastor Kanyari

It is now emerging that John Matara, the main suspect in the murder of 26-year-old Starlet Wahu Mwangi, had asked for close to Ksh500,000 on the night he brutally murdered her on Thursday, January 4.

Nairobi-based Pastor Victor Kanyari, the founder of Salvation Healing Ministry, revealed new details surrounding the death of his younger sister during a church service on Sunday, January 7.

He revealed that Wahu had resided in the United States (US) for her whole life and only came to Kenya for her university studies before she met her demise on Thursday.

“I know you have seen on social media and on TV and we are trending with people involving our church and saying my sister was killed. My sister was stabbed. My only sister who has lived in America for all her life. She has been at the University here and she was killed on Thursday morning.

"She was a very pretty girl and blessed. I do not want to speak about it but I know some of you are disturbed by the sad news,” Kanyari said.

Pastor Kanyari divulged that Wahu had met Matara on social media and decided to go on a date, informing his believers that the main suspect posed as a well-off individual attracting her in line with her demands from men courting her owing to the luxurious lifestyle she showcased on social media.

According to him, she fell into Matara's trap owing to being a socialite with quite a large following on Instagram.

They went to a club, had drinks, and then the man suggested they get a room for the night. Thereafter, the two booked an Airbnb together in South B, Nairobi and purchased HIV testing kits before proceeding to their room, unbeknownst to Wahu that she was being lured to a trap posed by the serial killer.

“They booked a house together. They bought HIV tests and went to their room. Unfortunately, the man was a serial killer. My sister did not see him as a killer but as someone who loved her.

"I do not see any problem with my sister. She was a young girl, single and looking for love. It is normal for her age. She is not the first girl to fall under his trap," he added.

Kanyari added that Wahu had tried to call him past midnight at around 2 am, to which he did not answer. An hour later, Matara would threaten her and ask her for Ksh500,000.

She would withdraw money from her bank, but seemingly showed signs of resistance. At this point, the confrontation escalated leading to a scenario culminating in Wahu being fatally stabbed in the neck by her assailant.

The killer locked her inside the room, making it difficult for her to seek help or medical attention. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries as she attempted to reach for the door to save herself.

Following the ordeal, Pastor Kanyari revealed that his family decided to rush to bury her on Saturday, January 6, with only 20 close family and friends in attendance, as well as turning down any assistance offered and outside help for privacy purposes and to avoid media attention.

“We did not want any help and even those who sent money, I reversed. I did not want people to support me in burying my sister. I have seen on the news that my sister’s killer has done that to other girls.

"It is a sad story and it is even very sad to see people bullying my family on social media. She died and we had nothing else to do so I requested my family that we hurriedly bury her since I did not also want media people to be all over me,” he explained.

Kanyari expressed his concern for his sister’s well-being, emphasizing that people should stop crucifying him.

“My sister was not born again so I do not see any problem with her using alcohol or even going for a date. I am the one who is saved and not her.”

According to postmortem results, Wahu died as a result of haemorrhage, which is the loss of blood from a damaged blood vessel. Police reports further indicate that there were signs of a struggle between Wahu and her killer, as the scene appeared bloody, disarrayed and chaotic.

Police further discovered HIV testing kits, used condoms, bhang, a bottle of alcohol and a blood-stained kitchen knife, believed to be the murder weapon, at the scene.

In addition to Matara, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives arrested his 25-year-old friend, Anthony Nyongesa, who assisted Matara when he was undergoing treatment at Mbagathi Hospital for stab wounds.