A Nairobi court has allowed homicide detectives to continue holding a taxi driver linked to the murder of gospel musician Rachel Wandeto as investigations into the shocking case intensify.
The suspect, identified as Josiah Njeru Njiri, was arrested in Ruai after investigators connected him to the final moments before the singer was attacked in Mwiki, Kasarani Sub-County.
Detectives told the court that the suspect was the last known person to communicate with Wandeto before the incident.
Police investigations have also placed Njiri near the musician’s residential area shortly before the attack took place.
Authorities believe he could provide crucial information that may help detectives identify other individuals involved in the murder.
Investigators are also pursuing additional leads as they work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Makadara Law Courts Magistrate James Juma Mayiah granted detectives 10 more days to detain the suspect at Kilimani Police Station to allow them to complete investigations. The case is expected to be mentioned again on June 3, 2025.
Wandeto suffered severe burn injuries after she was allegedly attacked by unknown people who doused her with petrol and set her on fire. She was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital for treatment but later died from her injuries.
Doctors reportedly said she had burns covering about 75 per cent of her body.
Her death has continued to attract public attention and emotional reactions from supporters, friends and family members, who are demanding justice and speedy investigations into the killing.
Before her death, Wandeto had gained attention online and in political circles after tattooing the image of President William Ruto on her body and openly supporting the government’s “two-term” political campaign.
Detectives say they are focused on gathering more evidence and tracing all individuals who may have been involved in the attack.
The family has meanwhile appealed to authorities to ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
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