Police have arrested a taxi driver in connection with the killing of gospel artist Racheal Muthoni Wandeto, who died from severe burns at Kenyatta National Hospital after she was allegedly doused in petrol and set on fire.
The suspect, identified as Josiah Njeru Njiri, is believed to have been a regular customer of the deceased and is expected to be arraigned in court on Thursday as investigations continue.
The arrest came hours after human rights organisations renewed calls for urgent government action to address the increasing cases of gender-based violence and femicide in the country.
Speaking during a press briefing, FIDA board member Anita Byegon said the number of women being killed in Kenya continues to rise at an alarming rate.
“Reports from Amnesty International, April 2026, show that at least eight femicide cases are reported each week. That means that at least one woman or girl is killed every day in Kenya. Women aged 18 to 35 years old make up 59 per cent of all femicide cases nationally,” she said.
Racheal’s death sparked protests in Nairobi on Wednesday, with women marching from the Kenyatta National Hospital mortuary to Vigilance House demanding justice and stronger action against violence targeting women.
Protesters accused authorities of failing to adequately address the growing number of femicide cases, warning that many victims are reduced to statistics without meaningful action being taken.
During her lifetime, Racheal was known for openly expressing her political views, including carrying a tattoo of President William Ruto. Following her death, discussions online and among politicians have linked her killing to political narratives, something her family has urged the public to avoid.
Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku condemned the incident, saying such acts should not happen in a constitutional democracy.
“What we have witnessed with Racheal’s case is something that should not have happened in Kenya, in a democracy that is guided by the Constitution and laws that are passed by the republic,” Ruku said.
Women’s rights activist Irene Wairaria also called for stronger action against violence targeting women.
“We are not going to be silent maovu yakitawala. We are not going to stand here tuangalie wanawake wenzetu wakichomwa ama wakifanyiwa maovu,” she said.
Despite the public debate surrounding the case, Racheal’s family has appealed for patience and restraint as investigations continue.
Her sister, Susan Wandeto, said the family did not want the matter politicised before investigators established the truth.
“That is why the DCI is there. Online can say anything… if we take sides right now and investigations come out otherwise, as a family, we may feel unfortunate. We believe they will not leave any stone unturned and get the truth,” she said.
The case has once again renewed national concern over rising femicide cases in Kenya, with activists calling for stronger protection measures and faster investigations into attacks against women.
