The primary suspect in the death of 24-year-old influencer Starlet Wahu, John Matara, stated on Wednesday that he was physically assaulted by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on his way to Ruiru Law Courts.
According to a person with knowledge of the situation who spoke with Kenyans.co.ke, Matara claimed in court that he was kicked and struck hard in the face during his transfer from Industrial Area Prison, where he was being held on remand.
He went on to say that the officers had also pulled his privates. The suspect begged the magistrate to take him to the hospital so he could get medical attention through his attorney Samuel Ayora. Winnie Moraa, the lead prosecutor, suggested that the plea be granted under strict security but did not object to it. In court, Matara was also charged with robbing a Kahawa Wendani-based woman of over Ksh88,300 and assaulting her sexually in March 2023.