Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi has condemned the attack on Rachael Muthoni, a woman who was reportedly doused with petrol and set ablaze in Mwiki, Kasarani Sub-county, in an incident linked to her tattoo of President William Ruto’s face.

Sudi issued his remarks after visiting the victim at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where she is receiving treatment following severe burns. The incident occurred on Friday, May 16, 2026, and is under investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

He further directed remarks at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, linking him to the incident and insisting that political differences cannot justify such violence. He added that the attack on the victim was cruel and unacceptable, regardless of political affiliation.

“I visited Rachael Muthoni in hospital, the woman who was doused in petrol for tattooing President William Ruto’s photo on her chest. Wamunyoro, you cannot escape accountability for this barbaric attack. Targeting someone like this is indefensible. Hata kama ni siasa, this is not the way to go. The brutal attack she endured ni ya unyama,” Sudi stated on X.

Attack incident and police response

According to the National Police Service (NPS), the victim was attacked by masked assailants who poured petrol on her before setting her on fire. She sustained severe burns on multiple parts of her body and was rushed to KNH for emergency treatment, where she remains in critical condition.

The NPS confirmed that the matter is being treated as a serious criminal case and linked the incident to political intolerance. The service stated that investigations are ongoing and urged members of the public with information to assist law enforcement agencies.

The police also referenced other violent incidents reported on the same day, including assaults on traffic officers in Embakasi and Lang’ata, noting that such acts undermine law and order.

Investigations and DCI probe

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has taken over the case, with preliminary findings indicating that the attack may have been motivated by political differences related to the victim’s support for President William Ruto.

Authorities are continuing to gather evidence and have appealed for cooperation from witnesses.

In its statement, the NPS condemned the rising cases of violence and emphasised that political intolerance has no place in the country’s democratic process.

The service noted that the attack on Muthoni is part of a broader concern over increasing incidents of aggression linked to political expression.

The victim remains under intensive care at Kenyatta National Hospital as investigations continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify those responsible.