Political intolerance and rising violence linked to political divisions have come under renewed scrutiny following the death of musician Rachel Wandeto, who succumbed to burn injuries at Kenyatta National Hospital after she was allegedly doused with petrol and set ablaze in Mwiki, Kasarani, Nairobi.
Her death has sparked widespread debate online, with some netizens questioning what they describe as “political silence” and selective outrage over violence against women.
Jacqueline Ingutiah, a Commissioner at the Judicial Service Commission and a human rights lawyer, condemned the attack, noting that “I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the horrific attack and tragic death of Ms Rachel Wandeto. It is painful. No one deserves to be subjected to such cruelty, violence and pain,” she wrote in a statement posted on Facebook.
“Human life is sacred, and differences in opinion, belief, or political affiliation should never result in hatred, attacks, and loss of life.”
Kenyans Reactions On Wandeto Incident
Kenyans questioned the reaction and condemnation on social media after Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the news, a day after visiting Wandeto at the hospital.
Netizens questioned why the incident had not attracted the same level of public outrage often seen in cases involving femicide and political intolerance.
Macharia Mucomba on his X platform noted that “The silence on the Violence and political intolerance meted out on Rachel Wandeto Wandet is VERY LOUD! Rachel Wandeto was doused with petrol, set ablaze, and later died at Kenyatta National Hospital after openly supporting William Ruto and tattooing his portrait. The silence is loud from those who are always against intolerance. Where are the voices that are usually loud? Where are the activists, the civil society groups, the human rights defenders, and the public figures who say “protect women” and say her name?”
“There’s no difference between those who are oppressing us and the ones who took her life. “said theherdvetkame on Instagram, while Otieno Christine Achieng condemned the attack “I don’t think Kenyans learned any lesson from whatever happened in 2007. You can not speak about democracy when you are killing anyone who has a different opinion from you.”
Also Read: Woman Behind Viral Ruto Tattoo Dies After Horrific Attack
The shocking news of her death was announced by the Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen.
“I am profoundly saddened to learn of the demise of Ms Rachel Wandeto, which happened this morning at the Kenyatta National Hospital following a heinous attack by a vile and intolerant group of people,” Mr Murkomen said.
“Her passing is deeply disturbing. No one deserves to be injured or killed for their political views or affiliation in this day and age. It should prick the conscience of those propagating politics of hate, violence and division.”
The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA), through its chairperson Leah Sankaire, also condemned the attack, describing it as a grave violation of rights and freedoms guaranteed under Kenya’s Constitution.
“No woman should have to live in fear, and no family should have to endure the pain of losing a loved one through violence,” the association said. “Such acts have no place in a constitutional democracy founded on justice, human rights, and the rule of law.”
Also Read: Specialized DCI Team Takes Over Case of Woman Attacked Because of Ruto Tattoo
The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, who visited Wandeto together with the Interior CS at the hospital on Sunday evening, in a statement, said Wandeto had been attacked on 16 May 2026 in Mwiki, Kasarani Sub-County, by individuals who allegedly doused her with petrol and set her on fire.
Mr Kanja condemned the attack, saying such criminal acts had no place in society, and reiterated the commitment of the National Police Service to protect all Kenyans regardless of background, beliefs, or political affiliation.
He also appealed to the public to cooperate with investigators by sharing information that could assist ongoing inquiries.
The incident has intensified debate around political intolerance, violence against women, and whether public condemnation of such attacks is becoming increasingly selective in Kenya’s political environment.
