Rachel Wandeto, the gospel artist who was allegedly doused with petrol and set on fire for tattooing President William Ruto’s face, has died from her injuries.
Wandeto passed away on Monday, May 18 morning while receiving treatment at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) following a brutal attack by unidentified individuals in Mwiki, Nairobi.
She had sustained burns covering up to 70% of her body.
The tragic death occurred just hours after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja visited her at the hospital.
Preliminary reports suggest the attack on Wandeto was politically motivated.
CS Murkomen expressed regret over the incident, stating that no one should be harmed or killed due to their political views or affiliation.
“It should trouble the conscience of those promoting politics of hate, violence and division,” Murkomen said. “When I visited Rachel in the hospital yesterday evening, her face displayed resilience and courage. It is deeply unfortunate that she lost her battle.”
The CS further pledged to bring all perpetrators of the “senseless act” to justice. “I offer my sincere condolences to her family and friends for this heartbreaking loss. The government stands with you during this period of profound grief.”
The incident reportedly happened shortly after Wandeto publicly declared her support for President Ruto’s re-election campaign in 2027. She had also tattooed President Ruto’s portrait on her chest along with the message “TUTAM” (two terms).
These actions reportedly caused conflict with her friends and relatives.
On the day of the incident (May 15, 2026 on Obama Road), three masked men confronted her and demanded money they claimed she received from President Ruto for her support.
When she insisted she had nothing, they poured petrol on her and ignited her hair before escaping. She suffered severe burns to her legs, torso, face, arms, and other body parts. She was initially taken to Uzima Uhai Hospital before being transferred to KNH.
Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Coordination, stated that Wandeto did not deserve the hate, pressure, and hostility she faced in her final days for supporting President Ruto.
“Today we mourn not just an artist, but a daughter, a friend, a believer, and a human being whose only “crime” was openly expressing her political choice,” Itumbi said.
He added: “Kenya must never become a place where artists are punished, isolated, or targeted due to differing political views.”
President Ruto issued a statement shortly before this publication, condemning the entire incident.
“May God grant the family and friends comfort, peace, and courage to endure the loss of Ms Rachel Wandetto.”
Ruto promised that those responsible for the attack would be held accountable, “regardless of their political affiliation”.
“Kenya cannot tolerate political intolerance that suppresses free speech or association. This jeopardizes our democratic stability,” he added.