Wilson Kinuthia Wariara, a key witness in the inquest into the death of Jeff Mwathi, took the stand today before Magistrate Rose Ndombi at the Milimani Law Courts. He recounted how he became acquainted with Lawrence Njuguna, popularly known as DJ Fatxo who has been named a person of interest in the case.
According to Wilson, on February 21, 2023, around noon, DJ Fatxo called him and requested a meeting at Bliss Bistro in Ruiru. Fatxo reportedly sought advice on how to boost sales at the club, which he owned and claimed was underperforming.
They arrived at the club at about 12:30 p.m., and after a brief tour, they were joined by the late Jeff Mwathi. Wilson testified that DJ Fatxo had earlier met Jeff at his shoe shop and had been impressed by its interior design. As a result, Fatxo hoped Jeff could assist with the decor for a new shop he planned to open.
Later, the trio proceeded to Ashaki Barbeque & Grill in Ruiru, where they shared a table. Wilson noted that Jeff only drank water during this outing. Fatxo then asked Jeff to find a seat and begin drafting a budget for the equipment needed for the new store.
The group, along with other friends, later went to Quiver Lounge along Thika Road, where they continued drinking until around 2 a.m., at which point Wilson left by Uber.
In his testimony, Wilson revealed that although he contacted DJ Fatxo the following day at around 3 p.m., Fatxo made no mention of Jeff. It wasn’t until a week later, during a chance meeting with Fatxo in Embu, that Wilson learned of Jeff’s death despite the case receiving national media coverage.
During cross-examination by lawyers Danstan Omari, Martina Swiga, and Cliff Ombeta representing Jeff Mwathi’s family Wilson confirmed that the group was heavily intoxicated when they left Quiver Lounge. When asked whether there was any conflict between Jeff and DJ Fatxo, Wilson said he had not witnessed any animosity.
Despite media attention surrounding Jeff’s death, Wilson claimed he only became aware of it a week later. He admitted that when he spoke to Fatxo on the day of Jeff’s death, August 22, he did not ask about Jeff’s whereabouts or well-being.
Wilson further testified that Jeff did not appear suicidal, disturbed, or aggressive on the day he died. In fact, he described Jeff as cheerful and full of energy, and expressed disbelief at any suggestion that Jeff may have taken his own life.
