Gospel singer Rachel Wandeto who was attacked by unknown individuals using petrol and fire succumbed to her injuries in hospital. She had sustained 70 percent burns.
She was fighting for her life at the Kenyatta National Hospital after unknown individuals attacked her, pouring petrol on her before setting her ablaze in Mwiki area, Nairobi.
She sustained critical burns and was rushed to the hospital in a bid to try to save her life, but succumbed to the injuries on Monday, May 18, 2026.
The attack sparked public outrage, with preliminary reports suggesting it may have been politically motivated, although authorities have yet to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
News of her death was confirmed by her industry colleague Karangu Muraya, who revealed that the victim succumbed to her burns, which led her urgently needing a blood donation.
“A great soul has rested… May your soul rest in peace, Rachel Wandeto,” he said.
It is alleged that the incident came days after Wandeto publicly expressed support for President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid, including drawing a tattoo in his honour.
The incident also drew the attention of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who visited Wandeto on Sunday, a day before her demise.
Murkomen condemned the attack, issuing orders to the police to fast-track investigations and bring the perpetrators to book.
“If it is true, as there have been speculations around the possibility of a political motive by basically attacking her for her political beliefs, this is really very dangerous for our country,” Murkomen stated.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed that investigations had already commenced, further ordering the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to move with speed to establish what transpired and the motive behind the attack.
“The investigations have commenced. The DCI have been directed to move with speed to establish what happened so that all those involved must have their day before a court of law,” Kanja ordered.
Murkomen further warned political leaders against incitement, saying rising ethnic and divisive politics could be fuelling violence, and that authorities will go after the planners and perpetrators of the attack to ensure such an incident is never repeated.
“I want to caution all political leaders to stop inciting Kenyans, radicalising youth, and hiring goons and gangs to attack other citizens. That behaviour is what leads to such acts,” he added.
He said preliminary investigations suggest the attack may have been linked to her political views.
She 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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