Elvis Opiyo Dies as Acid Attack Case Takes New Turn
Police have continued investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. His death is likely to affect the ongoing legal proceedings linked to the acid attack.
Elvis Opiyo Dies as Acid Attack Case Takes New Turn. Photo Courtesy
By Judith Waka
Elvis Opiyo, a gospel musician accused of orchestrating an acid attack on his former lover, has been found dead at his home in Umoja, Nairobi.
Police said Opiyo was discovered on the floor of his house in Umoja Two on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026. His death is being investigated as a suspected suicide.
His wife reported the incident to police. Officers from Buruburu Police Station who visited the scene said they found no visible physical injuries on the body.
An empty plastic cup, a spoon and a small white substance suspected to be poison were reportedly found near the body. Police also recovered another similar substance wrapped in clear nylon paper and placed on a wooden table.
No suicide note was found.
The body was taken to Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital mortuary pending a postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Family members told police that Opiyo had been struggling with depression for several months. He was a father of two and worked as a driver for a security company in Nairobi.
Opiyo was out on bail after being arrested and charged over an acid attack that left two women with serious injuries.
The incident happened on March 17, 2026, along Ngong Road near Quavers Lounge in Kilimani. Police said two women, who were reportedly workmates at Charge 24, were walking home when a man approached them and splashed a corrosive substance on them.
One of the victims was Maryclaire, a 24-year-old Seventh-day Adventist singer and member of Redemption Ministers Choral Group.
Police alleged that Opiyo had hired another person to carry out the attack as part of a revenge plan against his former lover.
The victims suffered burns to their faces, chests, arms and legs. They were taken to Equity Afia and Nairobi Women’s Hospital for emergency treatment. Maryclaire was later referred to Kenyatta National Hospital because of the severity of her injuries.
The suspected attacker was reportedly rescued from an angry mob by police and taken to Mbagathi Hospital.
Maryclaire continues to receive treatment for injuries that have affected her eyes and face. Her fellow musicians have launched the Just for Claire Initiative, seeking to raise Sh5 million to support specialised reconstructive treatment in India.
Opiyo’s death has drawn messages of condolence from several SDA music ministries.
Lamb Ministers, Heavenly Echoes Ministers Kenya and other groups mourned him as a fellow minister and brother in Christ.
Opiyo had previously served with Lighthouse Ministries before his suspension following the allegations.
Police have continued investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. His death is likely to affect the ongoing legal proceedings linked to the acid attack.
About Author
