GOSPEL SINGER RACHEL WANDETO WHO TATTOOED RUTO’S FACE HOSPITALISED AFTER PETROL ATTACK 

Police in Kasarani are investigating a brutal attack on a female gospel artist who was doused with petrol and set ablaze by unknown assailants in the Mwiki area, leaving her with severe burns over 70 percent of her body.

The victim, identified as Rachel Muthoni Wandeto, a gospel artist from Mwiki, remains hospitalised at Kenyatta National Hospital after initially being treated at Uzima Uhai Hospital. According to police reports, three masked men confronted Wandeto on Friday night. 

Relatives told authorities that the attackers demanded money or benefits they alleged she had received from President William Ruto due to her public support for him. When she said she had nothing, they doused her with petrol, set her on fire, and fled.

Wandeto had drawn public attention earlier in 2026 after tattooing President Ruto’s face on her chest, along with the phrase “Tutam” (Two Terms) and the President’s name on her body. Relatives reportedly evicted her following political differences over the tattoos.

The attack has sparked a wave of outrage from political and civil society figures, who have demanded justice and condemned the rising trend of political violence. MP Oscar Sudi visited Wandeto in hospital and shared photos of her injuries. “Targeting someone like this is indefensible. Hata kama ni siasa, this is not the way to go. The brutal attack she endured ni ya unyama.” Sudi stated.

Former LSK president Faith Odhiambo said, “I condemn this heinous act of violence against Rachel Wandeto, who was set ablaze in Kasarani. Such brutality is not only inhumane but undermines the constitutional promise of dignity and freedom from violence under Articles 27 and 29 of Kenya’s Constitution.”

Politician Gathoni Wamuchomba condemned the assault, “I strongly condemn the assault and violence meted on musical artist Rachel Wandeto for fearlessly expressing her political preference artistically through tattoos. This is unacceptable in a democratic country that has had a share of political violence in the past. The continued and dangerous trend of violence, physical and online especially towards women who dare to hold alternative views is unacceptable.”

Photographs of Wandeto’s severe burns covering her arms, legs, torso, and face have circulated widely on social media, prompting calls for swift justice.