Lilian Nyiva
President William Ruto has donated Sh1.6 million to the family of slain gospel artist Rachael Wandeto to help cover burial expenses, as leaders and mourners continued to demand justice over her killing.
Wandeto was laid to rest in Kirinyaga County on Sunday in an emotional ceremony attended by family members, political leaders, friends, and local residents. The gospel singer’s death sparked national outrage after reports emerged that she had allegedly been attacked and set on fire by unknown assailants.
During the burial, Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari publicly confirmed the President’s contribution and urged authorities to speed up investigations into the killing. Leaders present at the funeral condemned the incident and called for an end to political intolerance and violence.
Kiambu Woman Representative Ann Muratha, who delivered the donation on behalf of the President, called for unity and justice for Wandeto’s family. She condemned the brutal attack, saying no Kenyan should lose their life because of political differences.
How she gained attention
Wandeto had gained public attention after tattooing President Ruto’s image and the phrase “Two Terms” on her chest, a move that generated widespread discussion online and in political circles. According to reports, she was attacked while running errands after assailants allegedly confronted her before setting her ablaze using a flammable substance.
Before her death, Wandeto reportedly narrated the incident in a social media video, claiming the attackers accused her of benefiting alone from the President’s support before attacking her.
President Ruto has since condemned the killing, linking it to rising political intolerance and calling for those responsible to be arrested and prosecuted. Several leaders who attended the burial also urged investigators to ensure justice is served swiftly.
