Burial of gospel singer and Ruto supporter killed for political views goes haywire

Mourners who gathered in Kirinyaga County to bid farewell to late gospel singer Rachel Muthoni Wandeto were left shocked after her burial was abruptly postponed due to a dispute over her final resting place.

The burial, which had been scheduled for May 28, 2026, failed to proceed after disagreements emerged between her family and her husband over where she should be buried. As a result, her body was not released from the mortuary, leaving hundreds of mourners stranded.

Confusion at the mortuary

Friends, relatives, and residents had gathered at Kerugoya Stadium before proceeding to Kabumbu Village in Kirinyaga Central Constituency, expecting the body to arrive from Montezuma Funeral Home in Kabati.

However, the funeral programme was suddenly interrupted after the funeral committee announced that they had been unable to collect the body because of an unresolved disagreement.

In a video seen by K24 Digital, family spokesperson Joseph Githinji Kimaru said they were informed of the issue when they went to pick up Wandeto’s remains from the mortuary.

The announcement stunned mourners who had waited at the venue since morning, especially because preparations for the burial had already been completed. A grave had been dug, food prepared, and the coffin arranged in readiness for the ceremony.

Following Wandeto’s death, President William Ruto had contributed KSh1.6 million towards funeral expenses. The funds were delivered by Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari, Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Wamuratha, and Kelvin Kogi.

Funeral committee members said both sides had initially agreed on the arrangements, making the last-minute standoff unexpected.

Dispute over burial location

The disagreement reportedly centres on a conflict between Wandeto’s family and her husband, Peter Njaramba Njeri, regarding where the singer should be laid to rest.

While her family preferred that she be buried in Kirinyaga County, reports indicate that her husband wanted the burial to take place in Murang’a County. Wandeto’s family is also said to have disputed the marriage, claiming traditional rites had not been completed.

Rachel Wandeto died in mid-May 2026 while receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital after suffering severe burns during a petrol attack by unknown assailants in the Mwiki area of Kasarani, Nairobi.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Homicide Directorate is currently investigating the incident.

The singer had recently gained public attention after tattooing President William Ruto’s image on her body. Her remains will stay at the mortuary until the family dispute is resolved.

Femicide: Adelle Onyango takes feminist angle on story of Ruto supporter, Rachel Wandeto, who was killed

Adelle Onyango has strongly condemned femicide following the death of gospel singer Rachel Wandeto, calling for greater attention to the rising cases of violence against women in Kenya.

In a statement shared on her official Instagram account on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, Onyango described Wandeto’s death as part of a larger and deeply disturbing pattern of gender-based violence affecting women and girls across society.

She explained that femicide refers to the intentional killing of women and girls because of their gender, adding that such violence is often driven by misogyny, unequal power structures and societal norms that oppress women.

“Femicide: the intentional killing of women and girls, specifically because of their gender. It is primarily distinguished from general homicide by this gender-related motive, which is often rooted in misogyny, unequal power dynamics, and societal norms that oppress women,” Adelle wrote.

Her remarks come amid growing public outrage following Wandeto’s death after she succumbed to severe injuries sustained during a brutal petrol attack in Nairobi’s Mwiki area.

Renewed concerns over women’s safety

The incident has reignited national conversations around the safety of women and the persistent threat of femicide in the country.

According to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Wandeto died while receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital following the attack.

In a statement issued on Monday, May 18, 2026, Murkomen expressed sorrow over the singer’s death and condemned the attack, describing it as an act fueled by hatred and intolerance.

“I am profoundly saddened to learn of the demise of Ms Rachel Wandeto, which happened this morning at the Kenyatta National Hospital following a heinous attack by a vile and intolerant group of people,” he said.

“Her passing is deeply disturbing. No one deserves to be injured or killed for their political views or affiliation in this day and age. It should prick the conscience of those propagating politics of hate, violence, and division.”

Murkomen also revealed that he had visited Wandeto in hospital before her death and praised the courage she displayed despite her condition.

“When I visited Rachel in the hospital last evening, her face showed resilience and courage. It is quite unfortunate that she lost the fight,” he added.

Political intolerance: Karen Nyamu mourns Rachel Wandeto’s killing over her support of Ruto

Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu has broken her silence following the death of Rachel Wandeto, describing the incident as heartbreaking, cruel, and unacceptable.

In a public statement shared after news emerged that Wandeto had succumbed to injuries sustained during a brutal attack, Nyamu condemned the violence and expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased.

“The death of Rachel Wandetto following an acid attack is so painful, so cruel and unacceptable. I condemn it fully and pray for strength for her family during this difficult time,” Nyamu said.

Calls for Thorough Investigations

The senator also called on police to carry out comprehensive investigations into the incident and provide the country with clear answers about what transpired.

According to Nyamu, Kenyans deserve to know the truth surrounding the attack that left the woman with severe injuries before her death.

“I urge the police to conduct thorough investigations and tell the country the truth about what really happened,” she stated.

Questions Around Political Intolerance

Nyamu, however, rejected suggestions that Kenya had descended into extreme political intolerance despite online speculation linking the attack to political differences.

She maintained that people from opposing political camps across the country continue to coexist peacefully and freely express their views without fear.

“At the same time, I do not believe Kenya has reached such levels of political intolerance. Across the country, Kenyans from different political sides are coexisting peacefully. They continue to express their views freely without any fear or victimization,” she said.

Concern Over Violence Against Women

Beyond the political debate, Nyamu raised concern about the increasing cases of violence against women in the country, saying society should not normalize such incidents.

She called for stronger action against gender-based violence and greater protection for women.

“Beyond politics, the growing violence against women in our society should concern all of us. We cannot continue to normalize these cases. We need stronger action around GBV, and the safety of all women in our country,” she added.

Nyamu concluded her statement by mourning Wandeto and expressing hope that justice would eventually prevail.

“May Rachel’s soul rest in peace, and may justice prevail,” she said.

Ruto supporting gospel artist who got his face tattooed on her set ablaze!

Shock and outrage have gripped social media after gospel singer Rachel Wandeto was allegedly set ablaze by unknown attackers in a horrifying midnight attack in Kasarani’s Mwiki area.

The singer, who previously went viral after tattooing President William Ruto’s face on her shoulder and chest alongside the slogan “Tutam” (Two Terms), is now fighting for her life after sustaining severe burn injuries.

Midnight Horror Along Obama Road

According to police reports, the terrifying incident unfolded shortly after midnight on Friday along Obama Road, 11th Street in Mwiki.

Authorities say three masked men allegedly ambushed Wandeto before pouring a flammable liquid believed to be petrol on her body and setting her on fire.

Members of the public reportedly raised the alarm after the badly injured singer was rushed to Uzima Uhai Hospital for emergency treatment.

Police say the attack left Wandeto with approximately 70 per cent burns affecting her face, torso, arms, legs, and other parts of her body.

Due to the seriousness of her condition, she was later transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialised treatment.

“Where Is The Money?”

In a chilling twist, relatives claim the attackers demanded money they believed Wandeto had received because of her outspoken political support for President Ruto.

According to family members, the assailants allegedly questioned the singer about supposed financial benefits tied to her loyalty to the Head of State before the confrontation turned violent.

When she reportedly told them she had nothing, the attackers allegedly doused her with petrol and set her ablaze before fleeing into the night.

The motive behind the shocking attack has not yet been officially confirmed, but detectives are actively investigating the claims.

Desperate Appeal For Blood Donations

As Wandeto battles for survival, family members and supporters have launched urgent appeals for blood donations to support her treatment.

Friends close to the singer say her condition remains critical because of the extensive burns she suffered during the brutal attack.

Online appeals have since flooded social media, with Kenyans calling on well-wishers to donate blood and support her recovery at Kenyatta National Hospital.

Tattoo That Sparked National Attention

Earlier this year, Wandeto became a viral sensation after permanently tattooing President Ruto’s face and political slogans linked to his leadership on her body.

The move triggered heated debate online and reportedly caused tension within sections of her family over political disagreements.

Now, disturbing photos showing the extent of her injuries have sparked anger, sympathy, and demands for justice from Kenyans online and fellow entertainers, including gospel musician Karangu Muraya.

Police Speak

Nairobi police commander Issa Mohamud confirmed that investigations are ongoing and said detectives are pursuing those responsible for the attack.

“There is a team pursuing the matter for justice,” he stated.

As of the latest updates, no arrests had been announced, with authorities urging anyone with information to report to the police.