By Bonface Mulyungi
Gospel musician Racheal Muthoni Wandeto was laid to rest on Friday at her family’s home in Kabumbu Village, Kirinyaga Central Constituency, following a court ruling that cleared the way for her burial after a dispute over final burial arrangements.
Wandeto, who was born in 1986, was buried at approximately 11:30 a.m. in a ceremony conducted by the Akarino Church’s Kiandaka Parish and led by Archbishop Tito Charles Kinyua. Her body had been collected from St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Mortuary in Kerugoya.
Family spokesperson Joseph Githinji Kimaru, who is also Wandeto’s uncle, said the burial proceeded after the Kerugoya Law Courts ruled on June 10 that her mother, Sarah Njeri Wandeto, could proceed with the burial. The ruling followed a legal dispute involving family members over the arrangements.
According to Kimaru, the body was released from Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home in Kabati after the court process was concluded.
The burial brought to an end weeks of uncertainty surrounding Wandeto’s final send-off. Residents said preparations had previously been made for a burial in late May, but the ceremony did not proceed as planned due to the ongoing court case.
Wandeto gained national attention during her lifetime for her support of President William Ruto, including a tattoo bearing the President’s image. Following news of her death, President Ruto contributed KES 1.6 million towards funeral expenses through a delegation that included Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari, Kelvin Kogi, and Kiambu Woman Representative Ann Wamuratha.
Residents described Friday’s ceremony as brief and subdued. Some attendees said organizers opted for a low-key event due to concerns that the burial process could face further interruptions.
In a moving tribute, Wandeto’s sister, Susan Wandeto, reflected on the family’s recent losses and remembered her sister as a cherished member of the family.
“Our effort to advise you to take things slowly in matters of politics fell on deaf ears. They may judge you wrongly, but you are our sister,” she said in part. “To others you may have appeared different, but to us you were a precious jewel. We love you, we miss you, and we will always remember you.”
Family members and friends paid tribute to Wandeto’s life, faith and musical career as they bid her a final farewell.
