Nairobi, Kenya | August 12, 2026

Elvis Opiyo, the man accused of orchestrating an acid attack against Seventh-day Adventist singer Mary Clare, has died in Umoja, Nairobi.

Opiyo's death was announced on Tuesday, August 11, by Lamb Ministers, a Christian ministry that described him as a brother in Christ and fellow worker in ministry. His body was reportedly taken to the Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital mortuary.

At the time of his death, Opiyo was reportedly out on bail and living at his Umoja residence. The circumstances and cause of his death have not yet been publicly established.

Opiyo had been facing allegations that he hired another man to attack Mary Clare with acid in March 2026. The attack reportedly left the gospel singer with severe burns and serious injuries to her eyes, requiring specialised medical treatment.

The case attracted widespread public attention after former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko became involved in efforts to have Opiyo arrested. He was subsequently arraigned and denied the allegations against him.

Mary Clare's condition has remained a major concern, with reports indicating that she suffered extensive facial and eye injuries and requires further specialised treatment.

Opiyo's sudden death adds a new development to a case that had attracted considerable public attention. Questions surrounding the circumstances of his death may remain as authorities and his family await further information on the cause of death, while his relatives, friends and members of the Christian community mourn his passing.