Starlet Wahu murder: John Matara to remain in police custody for 7 more days

John Matara, the main suspect in the murder of socialite Starlet Wahu, will remain in police custody for the next seven days as detectives conclude investigations before he is formally charged with murder.

Makadara Law Court Senior Resident Magistrate Mercy Kivuti granted the prosecution's application that sought to have him in custody.

During the time he will be processed for plea including undergoing mental assessment, a requirement for murder suspects.

Matara on Friday sat at the Makadara court draped in a pinstripe suit and cuffed the whole time, speaking to the magnitude of his offence. Wahu's family members were also present in court.

The investigations will including firming up the statements of six female witnesses who fell victim to Matara’s violent attacks after luring them in dating sites pretending to be in search of love.

The victims include females in Nairobi, Nakuru and Thika towns who have a similar story that begins with love and end up in serious injury where he holds them hostage and extorts them for money.

Matara was detained after presenting himself at the Mbagathi hospital moments after allegedly taking Wahu’s life in South B area of Nairobi.

Matara had hired a short-term stay apartment in the area before luring Wahu who he met on a dating site into the house. Her body was discovered in a pool of blood in the apartment.

The murder suspect will be presented before court again on Friday next week.