A Makadara court in Nairobi has granted DCI detectives 10 days to detain Josiah Njeru Njiri, the taxi driver suspected to be behind the brutal killing of gospel musician Rachel Muthoni Wandeto, as investigators pursue CCTV footage, trace witnesses, and subject exhibits to forensic analysis.
Detectives had initially applied to hold the suspect for 21 days, but the court approved a shorter detention period.
Njiri, who was Wandeto’s regular taxi driver, was arrested in Kasarani by DCI homicide detectives following the attack on the singer in Mwiki, Kasarani.
In the application filed before the court, the DCI said Njiri is being investigated for murder in connection with the attack that left Wandeto with severe burn injuries, from which she later succumbed on Monday, 18th May, 2026, at Kenyatta National Hospital.
Police have ruled out the tattoo of President William Ruto’s face that Wandeto had on her chest as the motive for the brutal attack, with investigations now pointing to money, a possible love triangle, and personal disputes as the likely triggers.
President Ruto has broken his silence on Thursday, May 21 while in Mombasa, three days after Wandeto’s death, describing the attack as shocking and unacceptable and warning that those behind such acts will not escape justice.
“No Kenyan should be harmed because of their beliefs or associations, and those responsible for such acts will face the full force of the law,” Ruto stated, adding that the growing culture of intolerance in the country must be urgently addressed.
