Nairobi, Kenya — May 21, 2026, 10:05 AM: Detectives have arrested a suspect linked to the brutal murder of Kenyan gospel artist Rachel Wandeto as investigations intensify into the shocking attack that left the singer with fatal burn injuries.
The suspect was arrested on Wednesday in the Kasarani area by homicide detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations following intelligence leads and information provided by members of the public.
The case has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed debate over political intolerance, gender-based violence, and public safety, topics that continue to dominate discussions in Sauce.co.ke Breaking News Coverage.
DCI Confirms Arrest
Mohamed Amin confirmed the arrest and stated that the suspect is expected to be arraigned in court on Thursday as detectives seek custodial orders to continue investigations.
According to investigators, the suspect is believed to have known the victim personally and may have had close ties with her.
Amin further revealed that detectives are pursuing additional suspects believed to have participated in the killing.
Investigators Probe Possible Motive
Detectives say close relatives and former lovers are among persons of interest as investigators attempt to establish the motive behind the attack.
Sources familiar with the investigation indicated that detectives suspect the murder may have been linked to longstanding personal grievances.
However, investigators are also examining possible political motivations linked to Wandeto’s outspoken support for William Ruto.
“It appears the attackers believed she had received money because of her political activities. We believe there were personal grudges involving people who knew her well,” an investigator familiar with the case stated.
Singer Was Set Ablaze in Mwiki Attack
The homicide unit has since taken over investigations into the May 16 attack that occurred in Mwiki within Kasarani.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Wandeto was walking home along 11th Street near Obama Road when she allegedly encountered three men.
The attackers reportedly assaulted her, doused her with a flammable substance, and set her on fire before fleeing the scene.
She was initially rushed to hospital with severe burns covering approximately 75 per cent of her body before being transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries on May 18 while undergoing treatment.
Her body was later transferred to Kenyatta University Mortuary pending postmortem examination and other procedures.
Murkomen and Kanja Condemn Attack
The killing triggered widespread condemnation from political leaders, activists, and members of the public.
Kipchumba Murkomen, who visited Wandeto in hospital before her death, condemned the attack and directed security agencies to expedite 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 stated.
Douglas Kanja also ordered the DCI to fast-track investigations and ensure all those involved are brought to justice.
Political Support for Ruto Drew Public Attention
Wandeto had attracted widespread public attention earlier this year after tattooing President Ruto’s face on her chest alongside the slogan “TUTAM” — short for “two terms” — in support of his anticipated 2027 re-election campaign.
Relatives alleged that her political position had caused tension within sections of her family, with claims that she had previously been evicted from home because of political disagreements.
Police and family members further claimed that the attackers demanded money or benefits they believed she had received because of her political support for the president.
When she reportedly told them she had nothing, the suspects allegedly poured petrol on her and set her ablaze.
National Debate Over Political Intolerance and GBV
Graphic images showing Wandeto’s injuries circulated widely online, sparking public outrage and renewed calls for stronger action against gender-based violence and politically motivated attacks.
Human rights organisations such as the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), Federation of Women Lawyers Kenya (FIDA Kenya), and the Amnesty International Kenya have repeatedly called for tougher enforcement against violent crimes targeting women.
