Gospel singer Rachel Wandeto, the woman who tattooed President Ruto’s image on her chest, has been confirmed dead.
According to reports, Rachel passed away at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi following complications during surgery.
Her death comes just hours after the incident, which occurred along Obama Road, 11th Street in Mwiki, where she was reportedly ambushed by three masked men.
Rachel Wandeto was admitted in critical condition after sustaining severe burn injuries caused by petrol allegedly poured on her by several unknown men in the Mwiki area.
Racheal Wandeto rose to fame after getting tattoos of President William Ruto’s face, his name, and the words “Two Terms” on her body.
Following the move, her husband allegedly asked her to leave their matrimonial home in Kasarani and demanded that she remove the tattoo.
Despite the fallout, Wandeto remained firm in her stance, saying she is willing to end the marriage to demonstrate her loyalty and expressing hopes of meeting the President to rally women behind his re-election bid.
Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has condemned the brutal attack and called for swift investigations and accountability for those responsible.
In a statement, Faith argued that the attack highlighted the persistent threats women continue to face in Kenya despite years of advocacy and policy interventions aimed at combating gender-based violence.
“I condemn the heinous act of violence against Rachel Wandeto who was set ablaze in Kasarani. Such brutality is not only inhumane but undermines the constitutional promise of dignity and freedom from violence under Articles 27 and 29,” said Faith Odhiambo.
Faith further warned that societal tolerance of violence and lack of accountability continued to fuel such incidents.
Elsewhere, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also condemned the attack on Racheal Wandeto, warning against rising hate speech and divisive rhetoric in the country.
Murkomen said Kenya’s Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and political opinion, adding that no Kenyan should face violence because of their beliefs.
The CS revealed that he had visited Madam Rachel Wandeto, who was receiving treatment after being attacked and injured in what authorities believe may have been linked to her political views.
Murkomen strongly condemned the incident, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable in a democratic society.
“I condemn this barbaric act that has no place in our society,” he stated.
He added that investigative agencies had already launched investigations to establish the motive behind the attack and identify those responsible.

A photo of Rachel Wandeto. Robert Alai/ x