Gospel Singer Rachel Wandeto Dies After Petrol Attack

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Gospel singer Rachel Wandeto has died while receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) after suffering severe burn injuries in a petrol attack in Nairobi’s Mwiki area.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, through his X account confirmed her death, expressing deep shock over the incident:“I am profoundly saddened to learn of the demise of Ms Rachel Wandetto, which happened this morning at the Kenyatta National Hospital following a heinous attack by a vile and intolerant group of people.”

Wandeto died on Monday, May 18, 2026, after battling for her life for several days following the attack, which left her with extensive burns covering a large percentage of her body. She had been admitted to KNH in critical condition after being transferred from a local facility.

According to security reports, the attack occurred on Friday night in Mwiki, Kasarani Sub-county, where she was allegedly assaulted by a group of masked men who poured petrol on her before setting her on fire.

Preliminary accounts suggest the attack may have been linked to her public political expressions, including her vocal support for President William Ruto and reports that she had tattooed his name and image on her body. However, investigators have not formally confirmed the motive, and police say inquiries are ongoing.

Wandeto had been widely known in gospel circles and had recently gained public attention online, which also placed her at the centre of heated political discussions on social media platforms.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had visited her at Kenyatta National Hospital over the weekend, where he condemned the attack and directed police to fast-track investigations and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

“We shall bring the perpetrators of this senseless act to book. Rachel will get justice. I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to her family and friends for this painful loss,” read Murkomen’s post on X.

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from leaders and members of the public, with calls for action against rising cases of politically linked violence and intolerance.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is continuing with investigations as the country reacts to the shocking attack that has now turned fatal.