There was drama at the Milimani High Court after John Matara, the main suspect in the murder of socialite Starlet Wahu, shouted in court and accused prison officers of mistreating him.
Matara was brought into the courtroom in handcuffs. He raised his hands and asked the judge why the court session was going on while he was still cuffed.
“Is it right for the case to continue when I am still cuffed?” he asked loudly.
This got the attention of Justice Alexander Muteti, who was in charge of the case. The judge told the officers to remove the handcuffs right away.
Matara then told the court that prison officers had threatened him and were asking his family for money so as to treat him better.
He said the officers told him he would not be unshackled unless his family paid a bribe.
“I have been threatened by these rogue officers. They ask my family for money so that they can allow them to see me,” he said.
The judge asked Matara why he used the word “rogue.” Matara explained that the officers had been taking bribes and keeping records on their phones.
When asked if he had told his lawyer about the issue, Matara said he had just found out that morning and didn’t have a chance to speak to his lawyer earlier.
He also claimed the officers had warned him that they would not remove the cuffs during the hearing, and they kept their word.
Once the cuffs were removed, Matara said he felt okay and was ready for the court session to go on.
Justice Muteti told Matara’s lawyer, Mr. Buchere, to take the matter seriously and file an official complaint if needed.
“This is a human rights issue. If it’s true, you need to file it formally in court,” the judge said.
John Matara is accused of killing Starlet Wahu in a short-stay apartment in Nairobi. She was found with deep cuts on her neck. Matara was later found at Mbagathi Hospital with injuries.
The case is ongoing, and more witnesses are expected to appear in court.
By Vivian K.