One suspect arrested in murder of gospel artist Rachel Wandeto

Detectives have arrested a suspect in the murder of gospel artist Rachel Wandeto.

The team from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Homicide Directorate traced the suspect and arrested him in the Kasarani area, Nairobi, following tips.

The team said they believe the suspect knew her well and was close to her.

DCI boss Mohamed Amin said they were looking for more suspects in the murder. He said the suspect will appear in court on Thursday for custodial orders pending the investigation.

“One suspect has been arrested and will be arraigned tomorrow for custodial orders,” he said.

Among those being pursued as persons of interest are her close relatives and former lovers, other sources said. It is believed the attackers were jinxed over her political moves but had a past grudge that drove them to the attack, officials say.

“They knew her and wanted money they believed she had, and we believe it was out of a past grudge by people who knew her well,” said an insider aware of the probe.

The Homicide Directorate has taken over investigations into the brutal murder of the gospel artist, who succumbed to severe injuries inflicted during an attack on May 16, 2026, in Mwiki, Kasarani, Nairobi.

Her body was moved to Kenyatta University Mortuary on Wednesday for other procedures. Preliminary investigations reveal that the victim was on her way home when she encountered a group of three men along 11th Street near Obama Road.

The assailants reportedly assaulted her, doused her with a flammable liquid, and then set her on fire before fleeing the scene. She was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital the same day, suffering from approximately 75 per cent burn injuries. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment at the facility on May 18, 2026.

Detectives said Wednesday May 20 they are tirelessly working to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this heinous crime and to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in its planning and execution.

President William Ruto was among those who condemned the attack.
It is alleged that the incident came days after Wandeto publicly expressed support for Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid, including drawing a tattoo in his honour.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen visited Wandeto on Sunday, a day before her demise.


Murkomen condemned the attack, issuing orders to the police to fast-track investigations and bring the perpetrators to book.


“If it is true, as there have been speculations around the possibility of a political motive by basically attacking her for her political beliefs, this is really very dangerous for our country,” Murkomen stated.


Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed that investigations had already commenced, further ordering the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to move with speed to establish what transpired and the motive behind the attack.


“The investigations have commenced. The DCI have been directed to move with speed to establish what happened so that all those involved must have their day before a court of law,” Kanja ordered.


Wandeto 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 led to her relatives allegedly evicting her over political differences.


She was allegedly attacked by three masked men.
According to police and relatives, they 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 and was hospitalised initially at Uzima Uhai Hospital. Photos of her injuries circulated widely, prompting widespread condemnation, calls for justice, and sympathy.