Gospel artist Rachel Wandeto is nursing severe injuries after she was allegedly attacked, doused with a flammable substance, and set ablaze by unknown assailants in the Mwiki area of Kasarani, Nairobi. Police say she sustained burns covering approximately 70 per cent of her body, a condition deemed life-threatening.
Wandeto gained public attention earlier in 2026 after she tattooed President William Ruto's face on her chest, along with the phrase "Tutam" (Two Terms) and his name on her body, a bold show of political support that later triggered conflict with her own family. According to relatives, the three masked attackers demanded money or other benefits they believed she had received from Ruto in exchange for her loyalty.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen visited Wandeto at Kenyatta National Hospital on Sunday, where he was briefed that she was receiving the best available medical care. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and other senior security officials also attended the hospital visit, and police have since launched investigations into the attack.
Murkomen condemned the assault as unconstitutional, stressing that every Kenyan has the right to express political opinions freely and without fear of violence or intimidation. He also warned against rising political intolerance, saying the government would take firm steps to rein in divisive and inflammatory rhetoric that spreads hate and radicalisation.
The attack has sparked widespread public outrage, with many Kenyans calling for the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
Wandeto gained public attention earlier in 2026 after she tattooed President William Ruto's face on her chest, along with the phrase "Tutam" (Two Terms) and his name on her body, a bold show of political support that later triggered conflict with her own family. According to relatives, the three masked attackers demanded money or other benefits they believed she had received from Ruto in exchange for her loyalty.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen visited Wandeto at Kenyatta National Hospital on Sunday, where he was briefed that she was receiving the best available medical care. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and other senior security officials also attended the hospital visit, and police have since launched investigations into the attack.
Murkomen condemned the assault as unconstitutional, stressing that every Kenyan has the right to express political opinions freely and without fear of violence or intimidation. He also warned against rising political intolerance, saying the government would take firm steps to rein in divisive and inflammatory rhetoric that spreads hate and radicalisation.
The attack has sparked widespread public outrage, with many Kenyans calling for the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
