According to court proceedings, murder suspect John Matara has told the High Court that he and Scarlett Wahu, the sister of Pastor Kanyari, tested negative for HIV before she allegedly suggested having unprotected sex during their encounter in South B, Nairobi.
While presenting his defence, Matara explained that discussions about their HIV status took place before the sexual encounter. He claimed that although Wahu allegedly proposed having sex without protection, he remained conscious of the condoms they had brought with them.
Matara is facing charges over the murder of Wahu, whose body was discovered in an apartment in Nairobi’s South B area on January 3, 2024. He has denied the accusation and is defending himself against the allegations brought against him in court.
During his testimony, Matara recounted events leading up to Wahu’s death, offering his version of their encounter and the circumstances surrounding their relationship. His account included details about their discussion of HIV testing and the alleged conversation about whether to use protection.
The accused maintained that he was aware of the need for caution despite the alleged suggestion to have unprotected sex. These claims formed part of his testimony as he sought to present his account of the events that preceded the discovery of Wahu’s body.
The court is hearing evidence from both sides as the murder trial continues. Prosecutors are expected to present their case in an effort to establish Matara’s alleged involvement in Wahu’s death, while the defence is seeking to challenge the accusations and establish its version of events.
Wahu’s death attracted considerable public attention because of the circumstances surrounding the discovery of her body in the South B apartment. The case has continued to generate interest as details emerge through testimony and other evidence presented during the proceedings.
Matara’s statements regarding the HIV tests and condom use represent claims made during his defence and will be considered alongside other relevant evidence. The court is expected to assess the accounts presented by witnesses and the accused before determining the facts of the case.
As proceedings continue, the court’s task remains to examine the evidence presented by the prosecution and the defence before reaching a verdict. Matara remains accused of murder, and his denial of the charge will be considered within the judicial process as the trial progresses.