John Matara, the main suspect in the murder of socialite Starlet Wahu has claimed that his life is in danger.

Matara is being accused of killing Starlet Wahu in an apartment in Nairobi’s South B area. 

His lawyer Samwel Ayora, has told the court that Matara was physically assaulted  by unknown persons as he was being escorted to Makadara Law Courts.

At the same time, Ayora opposed further detention of his client for seven more days as requested by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, claiming that Matara is not safe in police custody.

The lawyer told the court that two individuals attempted to remove Matara from police custody, as he was being held at Industrial Area Police Station.

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However on Friday January 26, 2024, Makadara Law Court Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti granted the DCI orders to detain Matara for seven days to conclude investigations. 

In his defence, Ayora argued that the suspect had been held for 21 days which is more than enough for the DCI and the DPP to complete investigations. 

The court advised Ayora to report any assault on his client to the police for investigations to be launched. 

Meanwhile, Starlet Wahu’s body was found on January 3, 2024 in an Airbnb apartment she had checked in with the suspect, John Matara. 

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Consequently, Matara was arrested on January 4, at Mbagathi Hospital where he was undergoing treatment.

The case is set for mention on February 2, when the DPP is expected to charge Matara.