Rachel Wandetto Dies at KNH

Rachel Wandetto, a woman who suffered severe burns in a suspected petrol attack in the capital’s Mwiki area, died Monday morning at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said.

Murkomen described the assault as a “heinous attack” carried out by “a vile and intolerant group of people,” and condemned what authorities believe may have been violence motivated by political differences.

“I am profoundly saddened to learn of the demise of Ms Rachel Wandetto,” Murkomen said in a statement. “No one deserves to be injured or killed for their political views or affiliation in this day and age.”

The incident occurred on Saturday evening in the Mwiki area of Kasarani Sub-county. According to police, the victim, a gospel musician known for her outspoken support of President William Ruto, was doused with a flammable substance believed to be petrol and set alight.

She was initially taken to a local facility, Uzima Uhai Hospital, before being transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialized burn treatment.

Murkomen visited Wandetto in the hospital on Sunday evening and later described her as showing “resilience and courage” despite her injuries. The CS pledged that the authorities would pursue those responsible. “We shall bring the perpetrators of this senseless act to book. Rachel will get justice,” he said, extending condolences to her family and stating that the government stood with them.

The police, in a statement issued Sunday, said preliminary investigations pointed to a possible link between the attack and the victim’s political opinions, including a prominent tattoo of President Ruto.

A specialized team from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters has taken over the case.