The trial of John Matara Ong’oa, the man accused of killing 24-year-old socialite Starlet Wahu, resumed at the Milimani High Court in Nairobi with three witnesses giving graphic testimonies that shed light on the circumstances surrounding her death.
The court heard from Police Constable Allan Njoka, a crime scene investigator who presented his report alongside 21 photographs taken at the Papino Apartments in South B, where Wahu was killed on January 3, 2024. Njoka testified that the photos accurately reflected the state of the apartment when investigators arrived in the early hours of January 4. He added that there was no evidence of tampering or interference at the crime scene, assuring the court of the integrity of the evidence.
Retired pathologist Dr. Peter Ndegwa, who conducted the postmortem examination, gave a detailed medical account of Wahu’s injuries. His testimony described visible fingernail marks on her neck, suggesting strangulation, as well as a stab wound to her right thigh and internal bleeding on the right side of her head. According to Dr. Ndegwa, Wahu’s death was the result of massive blood loss caused by both stabbing and strangulation injuries.
The third witness, a cashier from South B Hospital, recalled admitting a male patient who arrived with multiple bleeding wounds on his arms and legs. The man, wrapped in a blood-soaked white towel, identified himself as Fredrick Opondo, aged 36. The witness told the court that the patient was later referred to Mbagathi Hospital for further treatment.
During the session, the prosecution applied to amend the charge sheet to include an alias used by the accused. They also requested an adjournment, noting that five more witnesses were lined up to testify in the case. Justice Alexander Muteti allowed the application and set November 27, 2025, as the date when the hearing will continue.
The testimonies provided by the three witnesses offered chilling details that strengthened the prosecution’s narrative of what transpired inside the South B apartment on the day Wahu died. The case has drawn widespread public attention since her death in January 2024, not only because of Wahu’s public profile as a rising socialite but also because of the disturbing nature of the crime.
For Wahu’s family and supporters, the court proceedings have been both painful and necessary, as they seek justice for their daughter. Legal observers note that the combination of forensic evidence, medical findings, and eyewitness accounts presented so far could prove significant in determining the outcome of the case.
The trial continues to highlight broader concerns around gender-based violence in Kenya, with activists pointing to Wahu’s death as part of a troubling pattern of violence against young women. Rights groups have repeatedly called for stronger legal measures and more decisive action to protect women from such acts.
As the trial moves forward, the public eye remains fixed on the High Court, awaiting the testimonies of the remaining witnesses and ultimately, the court’s verdict on a case that has gripped the nation for nearly two years.
PHOTO : UZALENDO NEWS
