“Barbaric Act”: CS Kipchumba Murkomen Condemns Attack on Artist Rachel Wandetto, Vows Swift Justice

By Gedion Nzyoki -

• Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has condemned the violent attack on gospel star  Rachel Wandetto, terming it a barbaric act.
• The government has reiterated that no Kenyan should be subjected to violence over their political beliefs, while warning against the growing spread of hate speech and divisive political rhetoric.
• Wandetto is receiving specialized treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital as authorities intensify efforts to identify and arrest those behind the attack.

Nairobi, Kenya | May 17, 2026 — Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has strongly condemned the violent attack on gospel artist Rachel Wandetto, describing it as a “barbaric act” and assuring Kenyans that security agencies are moving swiftly to apprehend those responsible.

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, and other senior security officials address the media at Kenyatta National Hospital. Photo: Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen (Facebook).

Speaking on Sunday evening after visiting Wandetto at Kenyatta National Hospital, where she is receiving treatment for severe burn injuries sustained during the attack, Murkomen said the government was deeply concerned by the incident.

He emphasized that freedom of expression is protected under the Constitution and that no Kenyan should face violence because of their political beliefs.

“I condemn this barbaric act that has no place in our society. Our investigative agencies are working hard to establish the motive and bring to book the perpetrators of this heinous act,” Murkomen said.

The CS revealed that doctors attending to Wandetto were doing everything possible to stabilize her condition and ensure she receives the best medical care available.

Murkomen also warned against the growing wave of divisive political rhetoric, saying authorities would not tolerate incitement, hate speech, or radicalization that could fuel violence.

“We will take all measures to rein in divisive and incendiary political rhetoric, which is spreading hate and radicalization,” he added.

The Interior CS maintained that regardless of political differences, no Kenyan should ever be subjected to violence.

“Whatever the motive of the attack may have been, no Kenyan should be harmed because of his or her beliefs,” he stated.

Murkomen further conveyed the government’s support to Wandetto and her family during the difficult period, assuring them that President William Ruto’s administration would facilitate the best possible treatment for the injured artist.

“We wish Rachel a quick recovery and grace to her family as they come to terms with this dreadful act. The Government, led by H.E. President William Ruto, will assist the family to ensure Rachel gets the best possible treatment,” he said.

What Happened to Rachel Wandetto?

The gospel star sustained severe burn injuries after she was allegedly attacked by unknown assailants in the Mwiki area of Kasarani on Friday night.

Wandetto, who hails from Mwiki, gained national attention earlier this year after tattooing President William Ruto’s face on her chest alongside the phrase “Tutam” (Two Terms), as well as his name on other parts of her body, as a public display of political support.

According to police and family members, the artist was allegedly attacked by three masked men along Obama Road, 11th Street, in Mwiki.

Her relatives claim the attackers demanded money or benefits they believed she had received because of her support for President Ruto. When she reportedly told them she had nothing to give, the assailants allegedly attacked her before fleeing the scene.

Police officers who visited the hospital confirmed that Wandetto sustained extensive burn injuries affecting multiple parts of her body.

She was initially rushed to Uzima Uhai Hospital by her husband before being transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialized treatment due to the severity of her injuries.

Murkomen was accompanied during the hospital visit by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and other senior security officials.

Investigations into the attack are ongoing, with security agencies under pressure to identify and arrest all individuals involved in the incident, which has sparked public outrage across the country.