President William Ruto has paid tribute to the Gospel artiste, the late Rachel Wandeto, who succumbed to injuries after an acid attack.

In a statement on his official X account on Monday, May 18, 2026, Ruto vowed to find the perpetrators irrespective of their affiliation.

Ruto, while condemning the assault, expressed his condolences to the family during the difficult loss of their kin.

“May God grant the family and friends comfort, peace, and courage to bear with the loss of Ms Rachel Wandetto. The criminals that attacked this hardworking and promising lady will be held to account, irrespective of their affiliation,” Ruto said.

Ruto further maintained that Kenya has no place for political intolerance that suppresses free speech or association, a move he says threatens Kenya’s democratic stability.

Wandeto’s death has triggered widespread condemnation from leaders, civil society groups, and members of the public, who have described the attack as barbaric and inhumane.

Wandeto’s demiss

His tribute comes after Gospel singer Rachel Wandeto, who recently drew national attention after tattooing Ruto’s image on her body, died while receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital following a brutal attack in Mwiki, Kasarani, Nairobi.

Wandeto had been admitted in critical condition after suffering extensive burn injuries, on May 16, 2026, when she was attacked by unknown assailants who doused her with petrol before setting her ablaze.

Medical personnel had been fighting to save her life after she sustained severe burns covering a large part of her body, leaving her in intensive care for several days.

She was initially rushed to a nearby hospital before being transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital due to the seriousness of her injuries, where she later succumbed.

Attack Linked to Viral Ruto Tattoo

The attack came just weeks after Wandeto went viral for tattooing President Ruto’s face and political slogans associated with his leadership on her chest and other parts of her body.

Rachel Waneto’s tattoos had sparked heated debate across social and political circles, with some praising her bold expression while others criticized her actions.