The gospel artist who became a national sensation for tattooing President William Ruto’s face on her chest is now fighting for her life in a Nairobi hospital. Rachel Wandeto was viciously attacked by three masked men who doused her with acid and set her hair on fire.
What started as a bold declaration of political loyalty has turned into a nightmare. The woman who lost her marriage because she chose ink over her husband is now battling severe burns after a brutal assault in Kasarani.
Let me take you through this heartbreaking story.
The Rise to Fame
Just a few weeks ago, Rachel Wandeto was everywhere on Kenyan social media. A mother of two from Mwiki in Kasarani, she made the decision to permanently etch President William Ruto’s face on her chest along with the words “Two Terms” and the popular “tutam” slogan.
She said she was an ardent supporter of the president. She loved his leadership, his temperament, and his vision for the country. And she wanted the whole world to know it. No half measures. No temporary posters. Permanent ink on her skin.
But that decision came with consequences she never saw coming.
When Love Could Not Survive Politics
Her husband of over ten years did not take it well.
According to Wandeto, he saw the tattoos as she was heading into the shower. And instead of a conversation, she got an eviction notice. He asked her to leave their matrimonial home right there and then.
The reason? He could not understand why she would get another man’s face tattooed on her body. He asked her why she did not get his face instead.
Political differences had been brewing in their home for a while. She supported President Ruto while her husband leaned towards the opposition “wantam” faction. But the tattoo was the final straw. The point of no return.
Wandeto found herself on the street. Displaced. Seeking help. But even as she lost her marriage, she did not back down. She made it clear she was willing to end the marriage to demonstrate her loyalty to the president. She even expressed hopes of meeting Ruto someday to rally women behind his re-election bid.
The Attack That Shocked Many
Then came the nightmare.
On May 15, 2026, reports emerged that Wandeto had been brutally attacked by three masked men in the Kasarani area.
The men accosted her and told her to share with them what Ruto had given her. She told them she did not have what they wanted. She had nothing to give.
That is when things turned horrific.
The men poured acid on her body. But they did not stop there. They also set her hair on fire before disappearing into the shadows.
Kindhearted civilians who witnessed the scene or found her after the attack rushed her to Uzima Uhai Hospital. The photos of her injuries that later surfaced online were devastating. Severe burns covered her body. The damage was extensive.
The Aftermath
As news of the attack spread, Kenyans flooded social media with reactions. Many expressed shock and sympathy. Others sent prayers. And some, sadly, pointed fingers at her tattoo.
Gospel artist and philanthropist Karangu Muraya was among those who spoke out. He wrote, “My sister and Gospel artists Rachel Wandeto may Jehovah Rapha heal you. May those who poured acid on your body never know peace. That was so inhumane.”
The comments section became a battleground of emotions. Some said this had nothing to do with her political stand and everything to do with her personal life. Others called on President Ruto to visit her in the hospital. Many simply asked for justice.
One commenter, Nancy Nduta, wrote, “Lord Jesus, it should not be like this. Everyone deserves freedom of choice, and human life is sacred.”
Another, Paul Chege, said, “I think they were expressing their frustrations in the wrong way. What they did was bad. Imagine if it was your sister or cousin. Violence is never the answer”.
Where Things Stand
Wandeto remains hospitalized at Uzima Uhai Hospital, receiving treatment for her injuries. The police have taken over the matter, and investigations are underway.
As of now, no arrests have been reported. The three masked men who carried out this attack are still out there.
And Wandeto, the woman who chose ink over her husband and loyalty over comfort, is now paying a price no one should ever have to pay.
Her dream of meeting the president and rallying women behind him may have to wait. Right now, she is just fighting to heal. Fighting to survive. Fighting for justice.
May God heal her. And may those who did this to her never know peace.
What are your thoughts on this story? Should President Ruto visit her in the hospital? Let me know in the comments section below.
