By Brian Said Iha
May 27, 2026 | William Ruto
President William Ruto has donated KSh 1.6 million to the family of slain gospel singer Rachael Wandeto during her emotional burial ceremony in Kirinyaga County, in a gesture that has reignited national debate surrounding political intolerance, violence and justice in Kenya.
The financial support from the Head of State was delivered through a delegation of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leaders led by Kirinyaga Central MP Gitari Gachoki and Kiambu Woman Representative Ann Muratha. The leaders joined grieving relatives, close friends and hundreds of mourners who gathered to pay their final respects to the late singer whose tragic death has shocked the country.
Wandeto succumbed to severe burn injuries after a horrifying petrol attack in Mwiki, Kasarani, Nairobi. According to reports, unknown assailants allegedly attacked her using a flammable substance before setting her ablaze in an incident that left her fighting for her life at Kenyatta National Hospital, where she later died while receiving treatment.
The late gospel singer had gained widespread public attention because of her vocal support for President Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration. She became a recognizable figure on social media after tattooing the President’s image and political slogan on her chest, a move that drew both admiration and criticism online.
During the burial ceremony, emotions overwhelmed mourners as political leaders condemned the brutal killing and called for immediate investigations and prosecution of those responsible. Speakers described Wandeto as a courageous and passionate young woman whose life was cut short in a painful and disturbing attack that has continued to provoke outrage across the country.
President Ruto had earlier mourned the singer and strongly condemned the incident, warning against the growing culture of political intolerance and violence in the country. The President maintained that those behind the attack must face the full force of the law regardless of their status, influence or political affiliation.
The burial ceremony evolved into a powerful national moment of mourning, reflection and calls for justice, with leaders urging Kenyans to embrace peace, unity and tolerance despite political differences.
As investigations into the shocking attack continue, detectives are still pursuing suspects linked to the incident, while many Kenyans continue demanding justice for the slain gospel singer whose death has sparked widespread public concern and emotional reactions nationwide.
