John Matara, the main suspect in the murder of 26-year-old Starlet Wahu, revealed to detectives intricate details of his past life, explaining that he was once married and sired one child.
Reports indicated that the marriage did not last as he divorced his wife over a domestic dispute. He, however, did not reveal details of his wife and her whereabouts.
Nonetheless, police predict that the woman may come forward to shed light on the alleged serial killer's past, his behaviour and the intrigues behind their marriage and divorce.
Her statements may assist detectives in understanding the motive of Matara's actions after he was accused of targeting and conning women with substantial incomes, torturing and assaulting them before attempting to murder them.
If the former wife also breaks her silence, police may treat her as a key witness under a witness protection program as they continue to gather evidence against the once-upon-a-time reggae musician with a murky past.
Notably, Matara's family declined to comment on his troubled past and the recent charges pressed against him.
The suspect is currently detained at Industrial Area Police Station for 21 days as police seek to complete investigations levelled against him in the murder and extortion case of Instagram influencer and businesswoman, Starlet Wahu.
During interrogation, he further claimed that he did not kill Wahu as alleged. According to Matara, he stabbed Wahu on the thigh and not the chest and head as reported.
Matara was also accused of sexually assaulting and robbing victims of their money from their mobile and bank accounts. Several women have since surfaced and filed reports, accusing him of committing the crimes.
Speaking to the press, Makadara DCIO Martin Korongo stated that he was waiting for his counterpart in Ruiru to hand over a file that links Matara to other cases.
"I am waiting for my colleague from Ruiru Sub-County to bring the file and report made to the CID department in the Njiru area where Matara is involved," Korongo stated.
Further, the caretaker of the building where Matara resided in Kahawa West in Nairobi, revealed the suspect's escapades. Police raided the apartment on Wednesday, January 10 and recovered packets of condoms, HIV test kits, sticky notes pinned on walls and rolls of bhang.
Matara's landlord claimed that the suspect lived a quiet life but would frequently leave at night and return in the wee hours of the morning in the company of different women.
"He was a quiet person and he seemed like a good person. I am shocked that he is the main suspect in this murder incident," the caretaker explained.
"He also loved alcohol and could be seen in the company of women who frequented his house."
The suspect was accused of murdering Wahu at an apartment in South B in Nairobi on January 4, 2024. CCTV footage from the building showed Matara and Wahu arriving at the apartment and entering the house booked by the accused.
The following morning, Wahu's body was found naked and lying in a pool of blood. Matara was arrested at a nearby hospital while seeking treatment for a stabbed wound. Police are yet to ascertain whether the wound was self-inflicted or was caused by Wahu who was said to have died while fighting for her life.
