Wambui Faith
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has given a detailed account of how the arrest of Elvis Opiyo, the estranged boyfriend of Mary Clare, unfolded following a shocking acid attack that sparked national outrage.
Opiyo, who is linked to The Lighthouse Ministers, was arrested on Sunday, March 22, after being implicated in the brutal assault on Clare. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, March 17 in Kibera, left the 24-year-old with severe injuries, leading to her admission at Kenyatta National Hospital.
According to reports, the attack was allegedly carried out by Lucas Ochieng’, who is believed to have been hired by Opiyo.
Sonko brought the matter to public attention through social media, strongly condemning the rising cases of gender-based violence. He also pledged to pursue justice for Clare and announced a KSh 50,000 reward for information that would lead to the suspect’s arrest.
Shortly after the reward announcement, a breakthrough emerged when an anonymous source informed Sonko that Opiyo, who had travelled to Oyugis in Homa Bay County, could be lured back to Nairobi. A woman known to both Clare and the suspect reportedly contacted Opiyo, convincing him that Clare wanted to meet and talk.
Believing the request, Opiyo boarded a bus back to Nairobi. Upon his arrival, Clare’s friend, alongside her brother Dan, coordinated a meeting at a hotel near Kenyatta National Hospital, with plans already in motion to alert authorities.
Sonko then contacted police officers, urging swift action. During a coordinated effort involving Clare’s family and law enforcement, the suspect’s exact location was shared, with the meeting point set at a café within the hospital grounds.
Plainclothes officers, acting on the information, tracked down Opiyo at the agreed location and arrested him on the spot. Authorities emphasized the seriousness of the case, indicating that all witnesses would be required to record statements as investigations continued.
Opiyo was later arraigned at the Kibera Law Courts on Monday, March 23, where the court ordered his detention for five days to allow investigators to complete their inquiries.
Meanwhile, CCTV footage reportedly captured Opiyo at a health facility along Ngong Road shortly after the attack, where Clare had initially been rushed before her transfer to Kenyatta National Hospital. His presence and behavior at the facility raised suspicion among those who had accompanied the victim, with one individual reportedly confronting him.
The case has since drawn widespread attention, highlighting ongoing concerns over gender-based violence and the urgent need for justice and protection for victims.
Opiyo, who is linked to The Lighthouse Ministers, was arrested on Sunday, March 22, after being implicated in the brutal assault on Clare. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, March 17 in Kibera, left the 24-year-old with severe injuries, leading to her admission at Kenyatta National Hospital.
According to reports, the attack was allegedly carried out by Lucas Ochieng’, who is believed to have been hired by Opiyo.
Sonko brought the matter to public attention through social media, strongly condemning the rising cases of gender-based violence. He also pledged to pursue justice for Clare and announced a KSh 50,000 reward for information that would lead to the suspect’s arrest.
Shortly after the reward announcement, a breakthrough emerged when an anonymous source informed Sonko that Opiyo, who had travelled to Oyugis in Homa Bay County, could be lured back to Nairobi. A woman known to both Clare and the suspect reportedly contacted Opiyo, convincing him that Clare wanted to meet and talk.
Believing the request, Opiyo boarded a bus back to Nairobi. Upon his arrival, Clare’s friend, alongside her brother Dan, coordinated a meeting at a hotel near Kenyatta National Hospital, with plans already in motion to alert authorities.
Sonko then contacted police officers, urging swift action. During a coordinated effort involving Clare’s family and law enforcement, the suspect’s exact location was shared, with the meeting point set at a café within the hospital grounds.
Plainclothes officers, acting on the information, tracked down Opiyo at the agreed location and arrested him on the spot. Authorities emphasized the seriousness of the case, indicating that all witnesses would be required to record statements as investigations continued.
Opiyo was later arraigned at the Kibera Law Courts on Monday, March 23, where the court ordered his detention for five days to allow investigators to complete their inquiries.
Meanwhile, CCTV footage reportedly captured Opiyo at a health facility along Ngong Road shortly after the attack, where Clare had initially been rushed before her transfer to Kenyatta National Hospital. His presence and behavior at the facility raised suspicion among those who had accompanied the victim, with one individual reportedly confronting him.
The case has since drawn widespread attention, highlighting ongoing concerns over gender-based violence and the urgent need for justice and protection for victims.
