Police officers in Kasarani, Nairobi, are investigating an incident in which a woman sustained severe burn injuries after she was allegedly attacked and set ablaze by unknown assailants in the Mwiki area.
The woman, Rachel Wandeto, is a gospel artist from the Mwiki area in Kasarani, Nairobi but originally from Kirinyaga. She went viral earlier in 2026 after tattooing President William Ruto’s face on her chest, along with “TUTAM” (Two Terms) and his name on her head/body.
This actions led to her relatives allegedly evicting her over political differences.
Rachael Wandeto was allegedly attacked by three masked men.
According to the police and relatives, the masked men demanded money or benefits they claimed she received from Ruto due to her support.
When she said she had nothing, they doused her with petrol, set her hair on fire, and fled.
She suffered severe burns on her arms, legs, torso, face, and other areas. She was hospitalized initially at Uzima Uhai Hospital. Afterwards, she was moved to the Kenyatta National Hospital with 70 percent burns.
Photos of her injuries circulated widely. This prompted widespread condemnation, calls for justice, and sympathy. Gospel artist Karangu Muraya also appealed for urgent blood donation for her.
According to police, members of the public alerted police after the victim was rushed to Uzima Uhai Hospital for emergency treatment. This was shortly after midnight on Friday.
Police officers who visited the hospital established that the victim had allegedly been attacked along Obama Road 11th Street by a group of three men who reportedly poured petrol on her body before setting her ablaze.
Police reported that the woman sustained approximately 70 per cent burns. Her husband first took her to Uzima Uhai Hospital.
Due to the severity of her injuries, she was later referred to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialised treatment.
Police took over the matter for investigation. As of the latest reports on May 16, 2026, no arrests have been publicly announced, and the attackers remain unknown.
The motive of the incident is also yet to be known.
Investigations into the attack are ongoing.
This horrific incident highlights the serious consequences of political intolerance and escalating tensions in Kenya’s divided political climate.
