Gospel musician Rachel Wandeto has died after succumbing to injuries sustained in a brutal attack by unknown assailants in Kasarani, Nairobi.
Wandeto passed away at Kenyatta National Hospital, where she had been admitted with severe burn injuries following the Friday, May 15 incident along Obama Road in Mwiki.
Fellow gospel musician and influencer Karangu Muraya, who had been rallying for support for the singer, confirmed her death in a Facebook post.
"A great soul has rested... May your soul rest in peace Rachel wandeto, Ti uhoro," he wrote.
Police had earlier said she was attacked while running errands, before her assailants allegedly doused her with a flammable substance and set her on fire.
In a viral video shared by Pastor Victor Kanyari, Wandeto recounted the attack, saying she was approached by three men who accused her of receiving money from President William Ruto.
“Nilikuwa na kamzigo nilikuwa napeleka, nikapatana na vijana wamekuwa wakinifuata. Wananiambia ati niliamua kukula pesa ya Ruto pekee yangu,” she said.
She said the attackers then forced her to a secluded section of the road before pouring a substance on her and setting her on fire.
“Wakanivuruta na huko nyuma, sa izo wameniweka katikati… kufika mwisho wa barabara ya Kahawa Sukari wakaniteremsha… wakanimwagilia kitu, wakawasha kiberiti wakatoroka,” she recounted.
She was first rushed to Uzima Uhai Hospital before being transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital after sustaining life-threatening burns on her face, arms, legs, and torso.
The incident sparked nationwide condemnation, with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi visiting her at Kenyatta National Hospital alongside Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and other senior security officials.
Murkomen condemned the attack, terming it “barbaric” and vowing a thorough investigation.
“I condemn this barbaric act that has no place in our society. Our investigative agencies are working hard to establish the motive and bring to book the perpetrators,” he said, adding that the government would support her medical care.
Sudi also condemned the attack, describing it as “unacceptable and inhumane,” and warning those responsible would be held accountable.