Police: Taximan was last contact before Rachael Wandeto's attack

Josiah Njeru Njiru, the prime suspect in Rachel Watendo's murder at Makadara Law Courts in Nairobi, on May 21, 2026.  [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

A suspect said to have been the last person to contact musician Rachael Wandeto who died after being doused with a flammable substance, was arraigned before the Makadara Law Courts in Nairobi.

Josiah Njiru Njeru, a taxi driver, appeared before Resident Magistrate James Juma Maiya on Thursday, where Chief Inspector Raphael Wanjohi of the DCI Homicide Investigation Bureau sought 21 more days in custody to complete ongoing murder investigations.

In a sworn affidavit, the investigating officer detailed the gruesome attack on the night of May 15, 2026, at around 9 pm.

Wandeto, who resided in Mwiki town, was lured from her home, assaulted, and doused with a flammable liquid before being set ablaze, sustaining severe burns across her body.

The assailant fled the scene, leaving the critically injured musician lying unconscious. She was rescued and rushed first to Uzima Uhai Hospital before being referred to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). 

Despite receiving treatment, Wandeto succumbed to her injuries two days later, on May 18, 2026, at approximately 11am, with over 70 per cent of her body burned.

“The matter was reported at Mwiki Police Station under OB No. 02/16/05/2026,” Chief Inspector Wanjohi told the court. “Officers responded promptly and found the victim unconscious along 11th Street near Obama Road. The scene was documented, and she was immediately transferred to KNH.”

Detectives recovered the victim’s National Identity Card, mobile phone, clothes, and other documents from the scene. These exhibits, along with items seized during Njeru’s arrest, are awaiting forensic and DNA analysis expected to strengthen the case against him.

Njeru was arrested at his rental house. Authorities have now established that he was the last person to contact the deceased on the day she was attacked.

Call data records show he shared his location with Wandeto, which was in proximity to her residence on the fateful night. Further analysis revealed he had been frequenting the area for the past three months.

The suspect and the deceased are said to have been childhood friends. He will be held in custody until June 2.