Detectives arrested a suspect linked to the brutal murder of Kenyan gospel artist Rachel Wandeto, as investigations intensify into the shocking attack that left the singer with fatal burn injuries.
The suspect was arrested on Wednesday in the Kasarani area of Nairobi by detectives from the homicide unit of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations following intelligence leads and tips from members of the public.
DCI Director Mohamed Amin confirmed the arrest and added he will be arraigned Thursday for custodial orders.
Other officers said the suspect is believed to have known the victim personally and was close to her.
Amin said the detectives are pursuing more suspects believed to have participated in the killing.
Investigators say close relatives and former lovers are among persons of interest as detectives seek to establish the motive behind the attack.
Sources close to the investigation said detectives suspect the murder may have stemmed from a longstanding grudge, although political tensions surrounding Wandeto’s outspoken support for President William Ruto are also being examined.
“It appears the attackers believed she had received money because of her political activities. We believe there were personal grudges involving people who knew her well,” an investigator familiar with the probe said.
The homicide unit has since taken over investigations into the May 16 attack that occurred in Mwiki, Kasarani.
According to preliminary findings, Wandeto was walking home along 11th Street near Obama Road when she encountered three men who allegedly assaulted her, doused her with a flammable substance and set her ablaze before fleeing.
She was initially rushed to hospital with severe burns covering about 75 per cent of her body before being transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital, where she died on May 18 while undergoing treatment.
Her body was later moved to Kenyatta University Mortuary pending postmortem and other procedures.
The killing sparked national outrage and renewed debate over political intolerance and gender-based violence.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who visited Wandeto in hospital before her death, condemned the attack and directed police to expedite investigations.
“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 said.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja also ordered the DCI to fast-track investigations and ensure all those involved are brought to justice.
Wandeto had gained widespread attention earlier this year after tattooing President Ruto’s face on her chest together with the slogan “TUTAM” — short for “two terms” — in support of his 2027 re-election bid.
Relatives alleged that her political stance had created tension within parts of her family, with claims that she had been evicted from home over political disagreements.
Police and family members said the attackers demanded money or benefits they believed she had received because of her support for the president. When she reportedly told them she had nothing, they allegedly poured petrol on her and set her on fire.
Graphic images of her injuries circulated widely online, triggering condemnation from leaders, activists and members of the public, who called for swift justice over the killing.
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