VIDEO: Woman who tattooed Ruto image, 'Tutam' burnt in Kasarani fire attack

A woman is in critical condition after being severely burned by unknown assailants in Kasarani, Nairobi.

The victim, identified as Rachael Wandeto, sustained life-threatening injuries, prompting an urgent police investigation.

According to police reports, the attack occurred on Friday, May 15, along Obama Road in Mwiki.

The incident comes just months after Wandeto, a gospel artiste, went viral for tattooing President William Ruto’s face on her body with the phrase “Two Terms” as a show of political support.

In a viral video shared by Pastor Victor Kanyari, Rachael recounted the incident, saying three men approached her while she was running errands and accused her of benefiting financially from President William Ruto.

“Nilikuwa na kamzigo nilikuwa napeleka, nikapatana na vijana wamekuwa wakinifuata. Wananiambia ati niliamua kukula pesa ya Ruto pekee yangu,” she said.

Wandeto said the men forced her to a secluded section of the road and continued demanding money, which she said she did not have.

She alleged that they then poured a flammable substance, believed to be petrol, on her before setting her ablaze and fleeing.

“Wakanivuruta na huko nyuma, sa izo wameniweka katikati. Wakaniambia nitembee nikatembea. Kufika mwisho kwa barabara ya Kahawa Sukari wakaniteremsha chini. Wakanimwagilia kitu, wakawasha kiberiti wakatoroka juu sikuwa na pesa kwa simu,” she recounted.

Bystanders rushed her to Uzima Uhai Hospital for emergency treatment before she was referred to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialised care. Medical reports indicate she sustained severe burns on her face, arms, legs, torso and other parts of her body.

Nairobi Police Commander Issa Mohamud confirmed that detectives are pursuing leads in the case. No arrests have been made so far, and the police have appealed for information from the public.

“There is a team pursuing the matter for justice,” Mohamud said, according to Mpasho.

Wandeto’s family and friends are appealing for blood donations to support her treatment. Messages and images seeking help have been widely shared on social media.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation online, with users calling for swift investigations and justice.