The brutal death of a Kenyan gospel artist who once tattooed President William Ruto’s face on her chest has taken a sharp political turn after former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu linked the incident to what he described as “toxic politics” associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Rachel Wandeto died at Kenyatta National Hospital on May 18, 2026, days after she was doused with petrol and set ablaze by unknown assailants in Mwiki, Nairobi County. Witnesses described a horrific scene as Good Samaritans rushed to rescue her before she was first admitted to Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital and later transferred to KNH. She succumbed to her injuries after days in intensive care.
Wambugu did not wait for police investigations to conclude before drawing political conclusions. He called on the Jubilee Party to publicly distance itself from Gachagua’s brand of politics, which he labeled as toxic and a contributing factor to rising tensions across the country.
The former MP further alleged that the same political climate had indirectly influenced violent incidents affecting ordinary Kenyans, including the circumstances surrounding Wandeto’s death.
The deceased had previously drawn public attention after reportedly tattooing President Ruto’s face on her chest, a detail that has since circulated widely online following her death. While the exact motive for the attack remains unclear, Wambugu appeared to suggest that her visible political alignment may have made her a target.
The incident has drawn outrage across social media platforms, with Kenyans demanding swift investigations and justice for the victim. Many questioned how such a brutal attack — involving petrol and fire — could occur in broad daylight in a Nairobi estate.
President Ruto has since sent his condolences to Wandeto’s family and friends, urging security agencies to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack. He added that those responsible must be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Police are currently investigating the incident as public pressure mounts over rising cases of violent crime in parts of Nairobi. However, Wambugu’s intervention has now added a political dimension to the tragedy, one that is likely to deepen as investigations continue.
Whether the former MP’s allegations hold any factual weight remains to be seen. But his remarks have ensured that Wandeto’s death will be debated not just as a crime, but as a political statement.