Fresh details have emerged in the murder investigation of gospel artist Rachel Wandeto, with detectives now ruling out claims that her attack was directly linked to the controversial tattoo of President William Ruto that had sparked widespread online debate.
Investigators are instead pursuing new leads pointing to money, personal disputes and a possible love triangle as the main motives behind the brutal attack that left the singer with fatal burn injuries.
A suspect arrested in connection with the killing has been identified as Josiah Njeru Njiri, said to have been Wandeto’s regular taxi driver.
According to police sources familiar with the investigation, detectives now believe the suspect may have targeted Wandeto over suspicions that she had recently received money from various places she visited, including State House.
The new direction marks a major shift from the earlier public narrative that linked the attack to the singer’s tattoo of President Ruto, which had generated heated reactions online.
Detectives from the DCI homicide unit are also investigating claims of personal grudges and a possible relationship fallout involving the suspect and the deceased.
DCI Director Mohamed Amin confirmed the arrest of the suspect in Kasarani, saying police will seek custodial orders as investigations continue. Detectives are also pursuing additional suspects believed to have participated in the attack.
Wandeto was attacked on May 16 near 11th Street along Obama Road in Mwiki, Kasarani, where she was allegedly assaulted, doused with a flammable substance and set ablaze by her attackers.
She was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital with severe burns covering approximately 75 percent of her body but succumbed to the injuries on May 18 while receiving treatment.
The latest police findings are expected to reshape public perception of the case, as investigators focus on financial disputes, personal relationships and possible grudges rather than political motivations.
The murder of the gospel artist has continued to spark outrage online, with Kenyans demanding swift justice and the arrest of all those involved in the deadly attack.
