The Kerugoya Law Court has officially authorized the burial of Racheal Muthoni Wandeto, bringing to an end a highly publicised Kerugoya burial dispute over Racheal Wandeto that had temporarily stalled funeral arrangements and drawn nationwide attention.
The ruling settles the question of who has the legal right to bury Racheal Wandeto, a case that has been closely followed due to its emotional family conflict and the public profile surrounding the deceased, who had gained attention after tattooing President William Ruto’s image on her body. President William Ruto also contributed KSh 1.6 million towards her burial arrangements.
Confusion at Kerugoya Stadium as Burial Plans Are Halted
The burial process was first disrupted on May 28, 2026, after Wandeto’s partner, Peter Njaramba, obtained a court order seeking to have her buried in Murang’a County.
The order triggered confusion at Kerugoya Stadium, where mourners had already gathered to receive the body from Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home in Kabati. The disagreement escalated into a legal battle that exposed deep divisions over burial rights and next-of-kin authority.
The case quickly became a trending national issue, with many Kenyans searching for updates on the Kerugoya court burial ruling today and the fate of the deceased’s final resting place.
Court Rules Mother Is Lawful Next of Kin
In a decisive ruling delivered on Wednesday, Resident Magistrate Harrison Kariuki directed that Wandeto’s body be released to her mother, Sarah Njeri, for burial.
The court found that Wandeto and Peter Njaramba were not legally married, noting that no dowry had been paid despite the couple having two children together.
The magistrate further ruled that in the absence of a formal marriage, customary law on burial and next-of-kin hierarchy applies, giving priority to the biological maternal family.
Funeral Home Barred From Releasing Body to Partner
Family lawyer Gitau Kahiga confirmed the ruling, stating that Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home had been formally instructed not to release the body to the partner following the court’s determination.
The decision effectively ends the legal standoff between the two families and clears the way for burial arrangements to proceed under the authority of the deceased’s mother.
Burial Set for Kabumbu Village, Kirinyaga
Racheal Wandeto will be laid to rest at Kabumbu Village in Kirinyaga Central, with the family expected to announce the official burial date in the coming days.
The ruling brings closure to a case that had stalled funeral preparations, divided opinion, and become one of the most closely followed burial disputes in recent weeks.
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