Musician Tattooed President William Ruto's Face and "Tutam" Slogan Attacked
Gospel musician Rachel Wendeto sustained severe burn injuries following an attack that left her with serious injuries allegedly linked to her political views.
Wandeto was allegedly attacked doused with acid and set ablaze by unknown assailants in the Mwiki area.
She was allegedly attacked by three masked men on Friday night, police said.
According to her relatives, the attackers demanded money or benefits they claimed she received from Ruto due to her support.
When she said she had nothing, they doused her with petrol, set her hair on fire, and fled.
She suffered severe burns on her arms, legs, torso, face, and other areas and was hospitalised initially at Uzima Uhai Hospital.
She was moved to the Kenyatta National Hospital with 70 per cent burns.
Photos of her injuries circulated widely, prompting widespread condemnation, calls for justice, and sympathy, including from figures like gospel artist Karangu Muraya.
Wandeto, a gospel artist from the Mwiki area in Kasarani, Nairobi, went viral earlier in 2026 after tattooing President William Ruto's face on her chest, along with "Tutam" (Two Terms) and his name on her head/body.
Police have since launched investigations into the attack as pressure mounts for the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen on Sunday evening visited artist Rachel Wandeto in the hospital on Sunday evening accompanied by by Inspector General Douglas Kanja and other senior security officials.
“I condemn this barbaric act that has no place in our society. Our investigative agencies are working hard to establish the motive and bring to book the perpetrators of the heinous act,” Murkomen said.
He warned against rising divisive political rhetoric, saying the government would act firmly against individuals spreading hate and radicalisation.
“We will take all measures to rein in divisive and incendiary political rhetoric, which is spreading hate and radicalization,” he said.