NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenyan gospel singer Rachel Wandeto has died after succumbing to severe burn injuries sustained during a brutal attack that left her fighting for her life at Kenyatta National Hospital.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed on May 18, 2026, by gospel singer and philanthropist Karangu Muraya, who had been closely involved in coordinating support for her medical treatment and updating the public on her condition.
Sharing the devastating announcement online, Karangu wrote:
“A great soul has rested… may your soul rest in peace, Rachel Wandeto,” he said.
Her passing comes after days of intense medical efforts to save her life following an attack that had left her with life-threatening burns covering approximately 70 percent of her body.
Wandeto had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Kenyatta National Hospital, where doctors had been battling to stabilize her condition and prepare her for surgery.
Just hours before news of her death emerged, Karangu Muraya and members of her support team had issued an urgent appeal asking Kenyans to donate blood to support her treatment.
Despite the medical intervention and public support, Rachel ultimately succumbed to her injuries.
Her death now introduces a major turn in the ongoing criminal investigation surrounding the incident.
Authorities had initially been pursuing the matter as a case involving assault and grievous bodily harm.
However, with Rachel’s passing, investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations are now expected to elevate the matter to a murder investigation.
Police are still actively searching for three masked men believed to have carried out the attack.
According to earlier reports, the suspects allegedly ambushed Rachel in Mwiki within Nairobi’s Kasarani area before dousing her with a flammable substance and setting her on fire.
Wandeto had become a recognizable figure in public conversations only weeks before the attack after a video of her tattoos gained significant attention online.
The rising gospel singer went viral in April 2026 after tattooing the face of William Ruto on her chest alongside the words ‘Tutam’.
The viral attention suddenly pushed Rachel into the public spotlight and introduced many Kenyans to her as an emerging gospel artist.