A court has temporarily stopped the burial of slain gospel artiste Rachel Wandeto in Kiambu County following a bitter dispute between her family and the man claiming to be her husband over unpaid dowry.
The dramatic turn of events has added a new layer of controversy and grief to the burial arrangements of the late musician, whose death recently shocked the country after she succumbed to severe burn injuries sustained in a brutal attack in Nairobi.
According to reports, the dispute arose after Wandeto’s family allegedly refused to allow her burial at her matrimonial home, arguing that the man seeking to bury her had not completed dowry payment rites required under Kikuyu customs.
The family is said to have moved to court seeking orders to stop the burial plans until the matter is determined legally, with the court granting temporary orders halting the interment.
Sources close to the family claim tensions escalated after disagreements emerged over who legally qualifies to take charge of the burial arrangements. The row has since sparked intense public debate online, with some Kenyans questioning whether dowry disputes should override burial rights, while others insist that cultural traditions must be respected.
Wandeto’s death attracted national attention after she was allegedly attacked and set ablaze by unknown assailants in Nairobi’s Mwiki area. The gospel singer had gone viral on social media after tattooing President William Ruto’s image and the words “Two Terms” on her chest.
She had been admitted at Kenyatta National Hospital with severe burns before later succumbing to the injuries. Her death sparked outrage across the country, with leaders and human rights activists calling for swift investigations and justice.
President William Ruto later sent financial support towards her burial arrangements as leaders continued to condemn the attack.
The court case is expected to determine who has the legal and cultural mandate to bury the late singer, as both sides remain locked in a painful standoff.
