Police in Nairobi are warning the public about a possible “serial sexual offender” after the brutal murder of a 26-year-old socialite.
Starlet Wahu Mwangi was found stabbed, slashed and bitten in a pool of blood in an Airbnb apartment she had rented for the night. Police say the prime suspect, 34-year-old John Matara, may be part of a criminal ring that targets women on dating sites and social media.
“We believe this was a premeditated attack,” said the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Twitter. “Mr Matara entrapped the victim under false pretenses and then unleashed horrific violence upon her.”
The victim’s body was discovered on Thursday morning by the apartment’s watchman, who saw Mr Matara flee the scene in blood-stained clothing. Makadara police officers called to the apartment found Ms Mwangi’s body surrounded by broken glass and splattered blood.
“It was clear there had been a major struggle, and that this young woman fought bravely for her life,” DCI said.
Police later arrested Mr Matara at a Nairobi hospital where he was receiving treatment for minor injuries sustained during the attack. A friend who had accompanied him to the hospital was also taken into custody.
The DCI appealed for other possible victims to come forward with information. “We believe Mr Matara may have targeted other women in similar ways,” DCI tweeted. “His methods point to those of a seasoned criminal who employs deception and manipulation.”
As investigations continue, police cautioned the public to be vigilant about predators lurking on dating and social media sites. “These criminals will promise romance, even love, but in the end they desire only to inflict harm,” DCI warned.
For now, Mr Matara is being held on suspicion of Ms Mwangi’s murder as detectives pursue leads in what they called a “painstaking” investigation to bring the victim’s killer to justice.
