The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested a suspect in connection with the brutal killing of gospel artist Rachel Wandeto, whose death shocked the country after she succumbed to severe burn injuries earlier this week.
According to investigators, officers from the DCI Homicide Directorate tracked down and arrested the suspect in the Kasarani area of Nairobi following intelligence leads and tips from members of the public.
DCI Director Mohamed Amin confirmed the arrest on Wednesday, saying the suspect is expected to be presented before court on Thursday as detectives seek custodial orders to continue investigations.
“One suspect has been arrested and will be arraigned tomorrow for custodial orders,” Amin said.
Detectives believe the arrested suspect was well known to the deceased and may have had a close personal relationship with her since he apparently droe her many at times in his taxi. Investigators are also pursuing additional suspects believed to have played a role in planning or carrying out the attack.
The Homicide Directorate officially took over the case following Wandeto’s death on May 18, 2026, while receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital.
Preliminary investigations show that the gospel singer was attacked on the evening of May 16 while walking home in Mwiki, Kasarani. Police say she encountered three men along 11th Street near Obama Road before the attackers allegedly assaulted her, poured a flammable substance on her body, and set her ablaze before escaping.
She sustained approximately 75 percent burn injuries affecting several parts of her body, including her face, arms, torso, and legs. She was initially rushed to Uzima Uhai Hospital before later being transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialized treatment.
Her body was moved to the Kenyatta University Mortuary on Wednesday as investigations continued.
The incident attracted public attention after reports emerged that Wandeto had recently declared support for Ruto’s 2027 re-election campaign. Earlier this year, she went viral on social media after tattooing the President’s face on her chest alongside the words “TUTAM” and his name on parts of her body.
Investigators are exploring claims that the attack may have been linked to political tensions and personal grudges. Relatives reportedly told detectives that the attackers accused Wandeto of receiving financial benefits because of her support for the President and demanded money from her before carrying out the assault.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who visited the singer in hospital before her death, condemned the attack and directed police to speed up 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.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja also confirmed that investigations had commenced and instructed the DCI to move quickly to establish the motive behind the attack and ensure all suspects are brought before court.
“The investigations have commenced. The DCI have been directed to move with speed to establish what happened so that all those involved must have their day before a court of law,” Kanja said.
Detectives say investigations are ongoing as authorities work to identify and apprehend all individuals connected to the murder.
