The brutal murder of Starlet Wahu Mwangi, younger sister of controversial televangelist Pastor Victor Kanyari, has ignited a firestorm of emotions and exposed unsettling questions about her vibrant life, the alleged killer, and a possible pattern of similar targeting.
Kanyari, known for his flamboyant preaching and often-scathing pronouncements, has emerged as a fierce defender of his sister’s character. He publicly refuted accusations that her lifestyle – characterized by social media flamboyance and rumored connections to wealthy businessmen – contributed to her death.
“My sister,” Kanyari declared in a tearful address, “chose her path. She wasn’t born into a life of glitz and glamour. She had dreams, talents, and the right to pursue them as she saw fit. To judge her for her choices, to blame her for becoming a target, is to deny her very humanity.”
The suspect, John Matara, remains in police custody awaiting trial. Initial reports portrayed him as a lone perpetrator, driven by a personal vendetta against Wahu. However, new information paints a potentially disturbing picture.
Three women, speaking on condition of anonymity, have come forward with eerily similar stories. Like Wahu, they too enjoyed a life of relative affluence and online visibility. Each had encountered Matara, describing him as charming but manipulative, preying on their vulnerabilities and financial needs. One even claimed an attempted assault before narrowly escaping.
“He knew how to play us,” shared one woman, her voice trembling. “He’d shower us with compliments, promises of opportunities, then slowly isolate us, making us dependent on him. It was like walking on eggshells.”
Police are now investigating these claims, scrutinizing Matara’s past for any connections to other unsolved cases involving young women with similar profiles. Could he be part of a larger, predatory network operating discreetly within Kenya’s social circles?
Kanyari’s unwavering defense of his sister transcends personal grief. It’s a battle cry against victim blaming, demanding empathy and understanding for choices that don’t conform to societal norms. His plea is both personal and political, pushing for justice not just for Wahu, but for all women vulnerable to exploitation and violence.