A suspect in a case where he was accused of hiring men to attack his former lover with acid was found dead in his house in Umoja, Nairobi, in what is suspected to be death by suicide.
The deceased, identified as Elivis Opiyo, was reportedly found lying on the floor in a supine position inside his house, police said, adding he was a driver attached to a security agency in Nairobi.
He was found dead in his house in Umoja Two in a suspected suicide incident on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. He was a father of two.
Opiyo’s death was reported by his wife. His family said he had been battling depression for months.
Police officers from Buruburu visited the scene and found the deceased with no visible physical injuries.
An empty plastic cup, a spoon and a small white substance suspected to be poison were found beside him. Another similar substance, wrapped in clear nylon paper, was reportedly placed on a wooden table.
The body was moved to Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital Mortuary, where it is awaiting postmortem examination.
Police said no suicide note was recovered at the scene.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death are ongoing, police said.
Several Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) music ministries have mourned Opiyo as a fellow minister and “brother in Christ”.
News of his death quickly spread through SDA music circles, prompting tributes from ministries that had worked and worshipped alongside him.
Opiyo had served as a singer with Lighthouse Ministries before his suspension following allegations linking him to the attack on Maryclaire.
He had been out on bail.
Lamb Ministers, Heavenly Echoes Ministers Kenya and Vocals of Praise were among the ministries that publicly mourned his death on social media.
Lamb Ministers described Opiyo as more than a fellow performer, saying he was regarded as a brother and fellow servant in their ministry.
“On behalf of Lamb’s fellow ministers, 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.
“He was not only a fellow minister but also a brother in Christ and a co-labourer in the work of the Lord. His life, service, and the impact he made among God’s people will remain in our hearts.”
Heavenly Echoes Ministers Kenya also mourned Opiyo as a fellow minister and “brother in Christ”, extending condolences to his family and friends and praying for comfort and strength during the difficult period.
Redemption Ministers, the group where Maryclaire sings were also among those who expressed sorrow over his death, acknowledging the complicated emotions surrounding the loss of someone with whom they had shared ministry and worship.
Cases of suicide have been on the rise in a worrying trend.
The World Health Organisation says such cases are attributed to joblessness, death, academic failures or pressures, legal difficulties and financial difficulties.
Other reasons are bullying, previous suicide attempts, a history of suicide in a family, alcoholism and substance misuse, depression and bipolar disorder.
The government says efforts are being made to address the menace.
Opiyo was the main suspect in the brutal acid attack on two women.
He had been arrested and arraigned over the incident. He was out on bail.
According to police, the suspect is alleged to have orchestrated the attack by hiring another individual to carry it out, pointing to a premeditated plan behind the assault.
One of the victims, who was a target, is a 24-year-old Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) singer, Maryclaire, who was doused with acid in the calculated revenge attack allegedly orchestrated by her former lover.
Maryclaire, a member of the Redemption Ministers Choral Group, was accosted by a hired hitman on her way home in Nairobi.
The harrowing incident occurred when a man, approached the woman who was walking with her friend, and splashed a corrosive chemical on her face.
The incident, reported on March 17, 2026, at around 6:53 pm, occurred along Ngong Road near Quavers Lounge, within the Kilimani area.
The case was reported by a boda boda rider.
Police officers on patrol responded swiftly and found a male suspect being assaulted by a mob.
Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect allegedly poured an unknown corrosive substance, believed to be acid, on two women who are said to be workmates at Charge 24 and were walking home at the time of the attack.
The victims sustained serious injuries affecting the face, chest, arms, and lower limbs.
They were initially rushed to Equity Afia and Nairobi Women’s Hospital for emergency treatment. One of them was later referred to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialised care due to the severity of her injuries.
The Redemption Ministers Kenya are currently conducting an online fundraiser titled Just for Claire Initiative to raise Sh5 million in aid for Claire’s treatment.
“Claire suffered devastating acid burns that left her with severe eye injuries, progressive scarring, chronic infections, and extensive facial disfigurement. Despite initial treatment, her condition continues to deteriorate, threatening her vision, mobility, and overall quality of life,” the Rdemption Minister of Kenya said in a post.
“Her condition now demands urgent, highly specialised reconstructive treatment in India to preserve vision, restore function, and give her a chance to rebuild her life. Estimated cost of the entire medical journey: Sh5,000,000. Let’s come together for Claire. God bless you.”
The suspect was rescued from the mob by police and taken to Mbagathi Hospital.