Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of police Douglas Kanja have issued orders to the police after a female gospel singer was set on fire after an attack involving petrol in Mwiki.
Speaking after visiting the woman, who has since been identified as Rachel Wandeto, who is fighting for her life at Kenyatta National Hospital, Murkomen confirmed the incident, saying it was linked to a possible political motive.
“If it is true, as there have been speculations around the possibility of a political motive by basically attacking her for her political beliefs, this is really very dangerous for our country,” Murkomen said.
Murkomen ordered the authorities to go after the planners and perpetrators of the attack to ensure such an incident is never repeated.
Kanja, on the other hand, confirmed that investigations had already commenced, but further ordered the DCI to move with speed to establish what transpired and the motive behind the attack.
“The investigations have commenced. The DCI have been directed to move with speed to establish what happened so that all those involved must have their day before a court of law,” Kanja said.
The woman in question was attacked by petrol by unknown individuals, who poured petrol on her before setting her on fire.
Reports suggest that the attack could be linked to political disagreements, with the case being taken over by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
She is an adamant supporter of President William Ruto, both online and on the ground, going as far as drawing a tattoo of the president.
Murkomen warned political leaders against incitement, saying rising ethnic and divisive politics could be fuelling violence, and that authorities will go after the planners and perpetrators of the attack to ensure such an incident is never repeated.
“I want to caution all political leaders to stop inciting Kenyans, radicalising youth, and hiring goons and gangs to attack other citizens. That behaviour is what leads to such acts,” he said.
The DCI on Sunday, May 17, took note of the attack that has since been condemned by various leaders, calling on the public with any additional information that can help in investigations to come forward and give it.
Politically motivated attacks and use of goons have been rampant in recent days, with politicians accused of using jobless youths to attack their opponents, something the authorities have warned about as the country heads to the 2027 General Elections.