Ruto: Life of Rachel Wandeto will not go unanswered
By Aloys Michael, May 21, 2026President William Ruto has condemned political intolerance and hate speech following the death of gospel singer Rachel Wandeto, warning that those behind the attack and the culture of hostility surrounding it will be held accountable.
Speaking in Mombasa on Thursday, May 21, 2026, during the issuance of title deeds as part of his four-day development tour of the Coast region, Ruto said the country would not tolerate tribal profiling, political blackmail, or violence against citizens because of their political beliefs.
“For the hate you are perpetuating in Kenya, the life of one Rachel Wandeto will not go unanswered. You, who call others traitors until Wandeto was murdered because of your hatred, because of your tribalism, because of profiling some Kenyans as betrayers, one day you will answer,” Ruto said.
The Head of State accused unnamed political actors of fuelling division and hostility among Kenyans, saying the country’s democratic space must remain open to all regardless of political affiliation.
“We will not allow you to blackmail anybody in Kenya. You will not blackmail our nation using hate, and you will not blackmail Kenyans as traitors because they do not believe in your tribal bigotry,” he stated.
Ruto maintained that Kenya’s future depended on unity and tolerance rather than divisive politics.
“Our nation will not go backwards; our nation will go forward because we are a nation, one people with a common destiny,” the Head of State said.
Wandeto is dead
The President’s remarks came days after Wandeto succumbed to severe burn injuries at Kenyatta National Hospital following a brutal attack in Mwiki, Kasarani, Nairobi.
Wandeto, a gospel singer who recently went viral after tattooing Ruto’s image and political slogans associated with his administration on her body, had been admitted in critical condition after unknown assailants allegedly doused her with petrol and set her ablaze on May 16, 2026.
Doctors at the national referral hospital had fought to save her life for several days, but she later succumbed to the injuries.
The incident sparked outrage across the country, with leaders, civil society groups, and Kenyans on social media condemning the attack as barbaric and politically intolerant.
Earlier this week, Ruto paid tribute to Wandeto in a statement posted on his official X account, where he vowed that those responsible would face the law regardless of their political connections.
“May God grant the family and friends comfort, peace, and courage to bear with the loss of Ms Rachel Wandeto. The criminals who attacked this hardworking and promising lady will be held to account, irrespective of their affiliation,” Ruto stated.
The President further warned against political intolerance, saying Kenya had no room for violence aimed at suppressing freedom of expression or association.
According to investigators, the attack occurred shortly after Wandeto gained widespread public attention online because of the tattoos, which triggered mixed reactions across political and social circles.
While some supporters praised her for expressing loyalty to the President, critics questioned her decision, sparking a heated online debate.
Authorities are yet to announce arrests linked to the attack, although investigations remain ongoing.
Ruto’s Coast tour has largely focused on land reforms, infrastructure projects, the blue economy, and economic empowerment initiatives.
During the Mombasa event, the President issued title deeds to residents and reiterated his administration’s commitment to resolving historical land injustices in the region.
The four-day visit has seen the President traverse several counties in the Coast region, where he has launched development projects and engaged local leaders on economic transformation plans.
However, the death of Wandeto has overshadowed part of the tour, drawing national attention to concerns over political intolerance and online hostility.
Political analysts say the President’s strong remarks signal growing concern within government over the rise of inflammatory political rhetoric and targeted attacks linked to partisan divisions.