Theories detectives are pursuing in murder of gospel artist Rachel Wandeto

Detectives believe those behind the murder of gospel artist Rachel Wandeto knew her well and were close to her.

Among those being pursued as persons of interest are her close relatives and former lovers.

It is believed the attackers were jinxed over her political moves but had a past grudge that drove them to the attack, officials say.

“They knew her and wanted money they believed she had and we believe it was out of a past grudge by people who knew her well,” said an insider aware of the probe.

No arrest had been made by Wednesday but police said they were pursuing good leads.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Homicide Directorate has taken over investigations into the brutal murder of the gospel artist, who succumbed to severe injuries inflicted during an attack on May 16, 2026, in Mwiki, Kasarani, Nairobi.

Her body was on Wednesday moved to Kenyatta University Mortuary for other procedures.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the victim was on her way home when she encountered a group of three men along 11th Street near Obama Road.

The assailants reportedly assaulted her, doused her with a flammable liquid, and then set her on fire before fleeing the scene.

She was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital the same day, suffering from approximately 75 per cent burn injuries.

Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment at the facility on May 18, 2026.

Detectives said Wednesday May 20 they are tirelessly working to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this heinous crime and to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in its planning and execution.

Members of the public who possess any information that may assist with the investigation are encouraged to report at the nearest police station or anonymously through our 24-hour toll-free hotline at 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp at 0709 570 000.

President William Ruto is among those who condemned the attack.

It is alleged that the incident came days after Wandeto publicly expressed support for Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid, including drawing a tattoo in his honour.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen 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.

Wandeto 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.

Photos of her injuries circulated widely, prompting widespread condemnation, calls for justice, and sympathy.

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.