Court orders unlocking of M-Kopa phones in Rechael Wandetto killing probe

Detectives have secured court orders compelling M-Kopa, a connected asset financing platform to unlock two handsets linked to Safaricom and Airtel networks, believed to have been used in the planning and execution of the murder of local musician Rechael Muthoni Wandetto, including possible transfers from her accounts.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has been granted judicial orders allowing access to detailed information and transaction statements from nine M-Pesa lines between April 1, and May 26, 2026.

A taxi driver, Josiah Njiru Njeru, is a suspect linked to the death of the musician, and his mobile phone is under scrutiny.

Inspector of Police Collins Otieno from the DCI Headquarters Nairobi Homicide Investigation Bureau informed the court that the two Safaricom handsets have remained locked since they were acquired on credit from M-Kopa under an instalment payment plan.

“I am hereby seeking that M-Kopa help unlock mobile handsets paired to six IMEI numbers for the period between June 8 and 30, 2026,” the inspector stated.

“The said subscriber numbers are of investigative interest and are believed to have been involved in communication and the sending or receiving of money to facilitate the commission of the murder.”

Owino reiterated that ascertaining the relevant transactions is therefore critical, as the numbers featured prominently in the investigations.

Detectives are now seeking certified copies of subscriber registration details, communication data records, M-Pesa statements and bank transaction records for the lines. These will form key electronic evidence in the case. The court orders are to be served on law enforcement liaison officers at Safaricom PLC, Airtel Kenya Limited and M-Kopa.

Wandetto was attacked on May 15, 2026 in Mwiki. Unknown assailants allegedly doused her with a flammable liquid before setting her ablaze. Good Samaritans rescued the severely burned musician and rushed her to Uhai Uzima Health Centre.

She was later referred to Kenyatta National Hospital, where she was admitted with 85 per cent burns. She succumbed to her injuries three days later. Her body underwent a postmortem examination on May 22, 2026 at Kenyatta Farewell Home Mortuary, where it was established that she died from complications arising from extensive burn injuries.

Her burial was halted on May 28, after her husband, Peter Njaramba, obtained a court order stopping the burial and consequently retained the burial permit, making it impossible for the family to proceed with arrangements.

He claimed he had been married to Wandetto for 14 years and that they had two children together. However, his in-laws disputed this, saying he had not paid dowry in accordance with their traditions. The body is still at Montezuma Funeral Home pending the court’s determination.