From Eight Years of Love to an Acid Attack — The Chilling Story of Clare and Elvis

Elvis Opiyo, a married intelligence officer, has been arrested and remanded in custody over a suspected acid attack on Mary Claire, 24, a gospel singer with Redemption Ministries.

On March 17, 2026, an assailant poured acid on Claire’s face near Prestige Plaza along Ngong Road, Nairobi, leaving her with severe facial injuries. She is currently receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital.

Opiyo, who shared an eight-year relationship with Claire, allegedly orchestrated the attack after she ended the relationship following her graduation. Investigators used CCTV footage and a sting operation — led by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko — to arrest him in Kibera. He is believed to have hired the attacker.

Critically, Claire had reported Opiyo to police for assault and death threats in November 2025. Those reports were not acted upon.

Opiyo appeared in a Nairobi court on March 23, 2026, and was remanded for five days as investigations continue.

The case has sparked the #JusticeForClare movement across Kenya, with the public demanding stronger action against gender-based violence and accountability for authorities who ignored earlier warnings.