NAIROBI, Kenya — A woman who suffered severe burns in a suspected petrol attack in Mwiki, Kasarani, has died at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), as President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen vowed justice for those responsible.
The victim, Rachel Wandetto, died on Monday morning after being admitted with critical injuries following the attack on Saturday, May 16.
She had reportedly suffered burns covering about 70 per cent of her body after being doused with a flammable substance and set on fire.
President William Ruto mourned Wandetto, describing the incident as a criminal act that must be fully accounted for regardless of political affiliation.
“May God grant the family and friends comfort, peace, and courage to bear with the loss of Rachel Wandetto. The criminals that attacked this hardworking and promising lady will be held to account, irrespective of their affiliation,” he said.
The President also condemned political intolerance, warning that violence linked to political expression threatens democratic stability.
“Kenya has no place for political intolerance that suppresses free speech or association. This threatens our democratic stability,” he added.
Wandetto had previously gained public attention after images circulated online showing her with a tattoo of President Ruto’s image on her body alongside the words “Two Terms” inscribed on her chest.
Her political expression had drawn mixed reactions on social media in the weeks leading up to the attack.
Interior CS Murkomen said he was “profoundly saddened” by Wandetto’s death, describing the attack as “heinous” and “deeply disturbing”.
He said he had visited her at KNH on Sunday evening and described her as resilient despite her condition.
“When I visited Rachel in the hospital last evening, her face showed resilience and courage… We shall bring the perpetrators of this senseless act to book. Rachel will get justice,” he said.
Murkomen also extended condolences to the family, assuring them of government support.
The National Police Service confirmed that Wandetto was attacked in Kasarani Sub-county and rushed first to Uzima Uhai Hospital before being transferred to KNH due to the severity of her burns.
Investigators believe she was targeted over her perceived political views, although police have stressed that the motive remains under active investigation.
A specialised team from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has taken over the case.
Doctors at KNH had previously indicated that Wandetto was receiving intensive care after sustaining life-threatening burns.
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Despite efforts to stabilise her condition, she succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment.
The incident has reignited national debate over political intolerance and violence linked to personal expression in Kenya’s increasingly polarised political environment.
Security agencies have urged restraint as investigations continue, warning against speculation while urging the public to allow due process to take its course.
Authorities are expected to prioritise the investigation given the severity of the attack and its alleged political dimensions.
As the country awaits further details, the case has become a focal point in the wider discussion on political expression, safety, and accountability in Kenya.
