Taxi driver, money trail at centre of probe into Wandeto killing

Rachel Wandeto 

Detectives are continuing to examine a possible financial link as part of the broader inquiry into what may have led to the incident.

Individuals believed to be connected to the case were being sought on Wednesday as police prepared to present the man in court to request time to hold him for further inquiries.

Investigators indicate he had previously transported her to various locations where she is understood to have received money on different occasions.

According to officials, he was aware that she had obtained money during some of the visits, and investigators are exploring several theories, including whether this knowledge may have influenced events leading up to the incident.

Police say they believe more individuals may have been involved and are pursuing additional leads.

He was taken into custody in the Kasarani area on Wednesday by detectives from the Homicide Unit of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations following intelligence information and reports from members of the public.

DCI Director Mohamed Amin confirmed the arrest and said the man is expected to be presented in court on Thursday for orders to allow continued detention while investigations proceed.

Sources familiar with the inquiry said detectives are considering several possible explanations, including suggestions of a longstanding grievance involving financial matters.

Investigators are also examining whether any political context linked to Wandeto’s public support for the president may have played a role, alongside other personal factors under review.

“It appears there are suggestions that she may have been perceived to have received money in connection with her political activities. We are also looking into possible personal disagreements involving individuals who knew her,” an investigator said.

The Homicide Unit has taken over the case relating to the May 16 incident that occurred in Mwiki, Kasarani.

Preliminary findings indicate that Wandeto was walking home along 11th Street near Obama Road when she encountered three men. Investigators say she was assaulted, a flammable substance was allegedly used, and she was set on fire before the individuals fled the scene.

She was initially taken to hospital with severe burns affecting about 75 per cent of her body before being referred to Kenyatta National Hospital, where she died on May 18 while receiving treatment.

Her body was later transferred to Kenyatta University Mortuary pending a postmortem examination and other procedural requirements.

The incident has drawn widespread public reaction and renewed discussion on political intolerance and gender-based violence.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who visited Wandeto in the hospital before her death, condemned the attack and called for expedited investigations.

“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 said.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja also directed the DCI to fast-track investigations and ensure all those involved are identified and processed through the law.

Wandeto had attracted public attention earlier in the year after tattooing President Ruto’s face on her chest alongside the slogan “TUTAM” — short for “two terms” — in support of his 2027 re-election bid.

Relatives have said her political views had created tension within parts of her family, with claims that she had at some point been asked to leave home following disagreements linked to politics.

Police and family members have indicated that those involved in the incident may have demanded money or benefits they believed she had received through her political association.