Elvis Opiyo, the man accused of orchestrating a brutal acid attack on Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) gospel singer Mary Claire Ocheing earlier this year, has died in Umoja Two estate Nairobi, in what is suspected to be death by suicide.
Report says he was found lying on the floor in a supine position inside his house, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. He was a father off two.
Police says they visited the scene and found the deceased with no visible physical injuries. They also say they found an empty cup, a spoon and a small white substance suspected to be poison found beside him. Another substance was found to be wrapped in a clear nylon paper placed on a wooden table. No suicide note was recovered at the scene.
His body was transferred to Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital Mortuary for postmortem examination. Family members revealed Opiyo, has been battling depression in the recent months.
Mary Claire Ochieng was attacked by acid on March 17, 2026 leaving her with severe burns and lasting eye damage, the attack shocked the nation, sparking an outrage over Gender-Based Violence (GBV). He denied the allegations but was released on bail.
The death of Opiyo has been mourned by the SDA ministries, prompting tributes from ministries that had worked and worshipped alongside him. Opiyo worshipped at Lamb Ministries, Heavenly Echoes Ministries Kenya and Vocals of Praise, has mourned him as a ‘brother in Christ.’
“On behalf of Lamb’s fellow ministries, 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,” the ministry said.
Meanwhile, Mary Claire still continues to recover, supported by well-wishers and fellow gospel ministers. Her church the Redemption Ministers Kenya is currently conducting an online fundraiser titled Just for Claire Initiative to raise Ksh 5 million in aid for her treatment.