Milimani court on Tuesday heard testimony from Airbnb operator Florence Ngina, who detailed how a referral-based booking system led to the occupation of Unit Y32 at Papino Apartments in South C.
The refferal booking was done on January 3, 2024, the same unit where socialite Starlet Wahu Mwangi was later found dead.
Ngina, who manages Unit Y32 located on the 4th Floor of Block B, told the court she was approached around 6:00 p.m. by a fellow B&B operator identified as Charity, who informed her that another host, Jane who had a client seeking a one-bedroom apartment with a balcony.
Ngina testifying before Justice Alexander Muteti that she had an existing arrangement with Jane where referred clients attracted a commission of KSh 500.
After confirming the apartment was clean and available, Ngina said she authorized the booking through the referral chain.
Client arrival and entry process
Ngina told the court that after Jane relayed the client’s details, the individual contacted her directly and proceeded to the premises later that evening.
She explained that she personally instructed security at Papino Apartments to allow the guest entry, following standard procedure requiring hosts to clear visitors at the gate. According to her, the client was then recorded in the security register before being directed to Unit Y32.
Ngina added that she met the guest at the apartment, confirmed the condition of the unit, and proceeded with the check-in.
Security and apartment layout
The court heard that Papino Apartments operates strict entry procedures, where all visitors are logged at the main gate in a Security Desk Book and must be cleared by the host.
Ngina’s testimony placed Unit Y32 within Block B on the 4th floor, with security officers stationed at the entrance 24 hours a day to monitor movement and ensure all entries are documented in the Occurrence Book.
Payment and referral arrangement
Ngina told the court that the KSh 500 referral fee was later paid to Jane as per their standing agreement, describing it as a common arrangement among Airbnb operators who share clients within the building.
Link to murder investigation
The prosecution is using Ngina’s testimony to establish how John Matara, the prime suspect in the murder of Starlet Wahu Mwangi, allegedly accessed Unit Y32 through the referral booking system in place among short-term rental operators.
Investigators argue that the arrangement facilitated the booking of the apartment on the night the incident occurred.
Next hearing
The matter will be mentioned again on April 27, 2026, with the court indicating that witness testimony is expected to conclude before proceedings move to a final judgment scheduled for June 2026.
