Gospel musician Rachel Wandeto, who was set ablaze, died from complications brought on by burns covering most of her body, a government pathologist revealed.
This comes after the High Court granted detectives more time to hold the key suspect in the killing that has drawn national attention.
According to police reports, the gospel artist died at Kenyatta National Hospital after assailants ambushed her in Mwiki, in Kasarani Sub-County, doused her with a chemical and set her on fire.
She had been receiving treatment when she succumbed to her injuries.
Autopsy reveals Rachael Wandeto suffered 85 per cent burns
Government pathologist Johansen Oduor, who conducted the post-mortem examination at the Kenyatta National Hospital Mortuary, said burns to roughly 85 per cent of her body caused the fatal complications.
“There were significant burns all over the body, and 85 per cent of the surface area of the skin was burned, which led to complications,” Oduor said.
“The skin is the largest organ in the body, and it contains electrolytes, water and proteins that aid the body. Once you get such a type of burn, then the complications also come in”, he added.
The examination was carried out in the presence of officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ Homicide Unit, who gathered additional samples as the inquiry intensified.
The case has sparked public debate amid claims that Wandeto was targeted because she bore a tattoo of President William Ruto as a show of political support. Detectives have not confirmed a motive.
So far, detectives have identified Njiri as a taxi driver who frequently ferried Wandeto to various locations.
According to the police, he was the last person known to have been in contact with her and was placed near her home shortly before the attack.
