Elvis Okoth, the prime suspect in Mary Claire’s acid attack, is dead.
A man previously linked to a violent acid assault on a gospel musician has been discovered dead in the Umoja area of Nairobi.
Elvis Opiyo, also known as Elvis Okoth Opiyo and identified in reports as a National Intelligence Service officer, was found lifeless on Tuesday the eleventh of August, according to initial accounts that point toward a possible suicide. Police have opened an inquiry to determine the precise circumstances while the case continues to draw public attention.
Opiyo had been named as the main suspect in a series of attacks against Claire Ochieng, a Nairobi-based Seventh-day Adventist musician, after their relationship ended. The most severe incident took place on the seventeenth of March along Ngong Road, when a man on a motorcycle allegedly threw concentrated sulfuric acid at her, causing extensive burns to her face, chest, arms and thigh. The rider, identified as Lucas Ochieng, was arrested at the scene and reportedly told investigators he had been sent by another party.
Authorities later connected Opiyo to the planning of the assault, alleging he hired individuals to target the singer. He was arrested in March, presented at the Kibera Law Courts and remanded as inquiries proceeded; he denied the charges against him. Ochieng has been recovering from the life-altering injuries while the legal process surrounding the case remained active until this latest development.
Following news of the death, ministers from the Seventh-day Adventist community and Lighthouse Ministries issued messages of sympathy. “On behalf of Lamb’s fellow ministers, we extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the entire Lighthouse Ministries family on the passing of our beloved brother and fellow servant, Elvis Opiyo,” one statement read, describing him as a co-labourer whose service had touched many. Activist Paul Nekko also commented on the tragedy, noting that harsh public judgment may have compounded personal struggles and stating there was nothing to celebrate in the outcome.
The body is understood to be at a local facility pending further formalities as officers work to clarify the events leading to the discovery. Meanwhile the investigation into the original acid attack continues, with Ochieng still focused on her recovery and the broader questions about accountability that the case has raised within the community.
