Police in Kasarani, Nairobi, are investigating an incident in which a woman sustained severe burn injuries after she was allegedly attacked and set ablaze by unknown assailants in the Mwiki area.
The motive of the incident is yet to be known.
The woman, Rachel Wandeto, a gospel artist from the Mwiki area in Kasarani, Nairobi (originally from Kirinyaga), went viral earlier in 2026 after tattooing President William Ruto’s face on her chest, along with “TUTAM” (Two Terms) and his name on her head/body.
This led to her relatives allegedly evicting her over political differences.
She was allegedly attacked by three masked men.
According to police and relatives, they demanded money or benefits they claimed she received from Ruto due to her support.
When she said she had nothing, they doused her with petrol, set her hair on fire, and fled.
She suffered severe burns on her arms, legs, torso, face, and other areas and was hospitalized initially at Uzima Uhai Hospital. She was moved to the Kenyatta National Hospital with 70 percent burns.
Photos of her injuries circulated widely, prompting widespread condemnation, calls for justice, and sympathy (including from figures like gospel artist Karangu Muraya). Police took over the matter for investigation, but as of the latest reports May 16, 2026, no arrests have been publicly announced, and the attackers remain unknown.
According to police, members of the public alerted police after the victim was rushed to Uzima Uhai Hospital for emergency treatment shortly after midnight on Friday.
Police officers who visited the hospital established that the victim had allegedly been attacked along Obama Road 11th Street by a group of three men who reportedly poured petrol on her body before setting her ablaze.
Police said the woman sustained approximately 70 per cent burns and was initially taken to Uzima Uhai Hospital by her husband.
Due to the severity of her injuries, she was later referred to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialised treatment.
Investigations into the attack are ongoing.
This incident is real and horrific, highlighting risks of political intolerance and violence in Kenya’s polarized climate.
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