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Adelle Onyango calls out femicide following Rachel Wandeto’s death
19th May, 2026 05:13 PM
Former radio presenter Adelle Onyango has spoken out strongly against femicide following the death of gospel singer Rachel Wandeto, calling attention to the growing cases of violence against women in the country.
Onyango, in a statement shared on her official Instagram account on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, described the incident as part of a wider and deeply troubling pattern of gender-based violence affecting women and girls, which is often rooted in misogyny, unequal power dynamics, and societal norms that oppress women.
She further explained that femicide is an intentional killing of women and girls due to their gender.
“Femicide: the intentional killing of women and girls, specifically because of their gender. It is primarily distinguished from general homicide by this gender-related motive, which is often rooted in misogyny, unequal power dynamics, and societal norms that oppress women,” Adelle wrote.
Her remarks come in the wake of Wandeto’s death after she succumbed to severe injuries sustained during a brutal attack in Nairobi’s Mwiki area. The incident has sparked renewed public debate on the safety of women and the persistent threat of femicide.
Wandeto’s death
Wandeto died while receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital following a brutal petrol attack in Nairobi’s Mwiki area, according to the the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen
In a statement shared on Monday, May 18, 2026, Murkomen expressed deep sorrow over the incident and strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a result of intolerance and hatred.
“I am profoundly saddened to learn of the demise of Ms Rachel Wandeto, which happened this morning at the Kenyatta National Hospital following a heinous attack by a vile and intolerant group of people,” he said.
“Her passing is deeply disturbing. No one deserves to be injured or killed for their political views or affiliation in this day and age. It should prick the conscience of those propagating politics of hate, violence, and division.”
The CS also revealed that he had visited the late singer in the hospital, noting that she had shown courage despite her condition. “When I visited Rachel in the hospital last evening, her face showed resilience and courage. It is quite unfortunate that she lost the fight,” he said.
