Gospel singer Rachel Wandeto has died while receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital, days after she was allegedly doused in petrol and set ablaze by unknown assailants in Mwiki, Nairobi.
Wandeto succumbed to severe burn injuries on Monday, May 18, after battling for her life in the hospital’s critical care unit following the shocking attack that sparked national outrage.
According to preliminary reports, the attackers accosted the singer before pouring petrol on her and setting her on fire in an incident that investigators are treating as a serious criminal attack.
Her death has renewed calls for swift justice, with Kenyans on social media demanding immediate arrests and thorough investigations into the killing.
The case had earlier attracted the attention of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who visited the singer while she was admitted at Kenyatta National Hospital and directed security agencies to fast-track investigations.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had also confirmed that detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) were handling the matter to establish the circumstances and motive behind the attack.
Authorities are yet to conclusively determine the motive, although early reports indicated the possibility of political undertones, claims that investigators say are still being examined.
The tragic death now adds to growing concerns over rising cases of violent attacks targeting women and public figures .
