Acidic revenge: Slow justice for woman after acid attack orchestrated in Mathare underworld

Elvis Opiyo, who is reportedly a NIS officer, is accused of orchestrating a series of acid attacks and violent assaults after Claire ended their relationship.

We return to February 17th, the day her life was violently rewritten. But for Claire, the ordeal did not end there. She says justice has been painfully slow, while those she believes are responsible remain free.

Our investigation has uncovered alleged money trails, death threats, links to the Mathare underworld, and a hired hit squad. In an exclusive interview, Claire opens up to Citizen TV about her ordeal and why she believes she was a target. 

We pull back the curtain on a chilling story of obsession, betrayal, and ruthless revenge that unfolded on the streets of Nairobi.

February 17, 2026, was just after the workday when Claire Ochieng and her colleague, Sarah Waitiri, stepped out of their office along Ngong Road.

It was a routine walk home, until it wasn't.... Without warning, two men approached. In a calculated attack, one of them hurled concentrated sulphuric acid directly into Claire's face. 

For nearly four months, Claire fought for her life in the burns unit at Kenyatta National Hospital. Wrapped in bandages from head to toe. Her chances of survival appeared slim...but she beat the odds.

Claire is ready to relive the terrifying attack....and reveal why she believes she was deliberately targeted.

What began as a love story spiralled into a campaign of terror: seven alleged attacks, three involving acid, and all allegedly linked to one man who refused to let go.

“I just want to tell my story," said Claire.

“We met in 2019 at an event. We started dating in June 2021. I later discovered he was married with two children. When I confronted him and decided to leave last year in April, he didn’t accept it," she adds.

From WhatsApp messages and documents obtained by Citizen TV, the picture is chilling. When Claire tried to walk away, the tone changed from pleas to demands and threats.

“Morning… I need the phone, glasses, all clothes, shoes, and every coin I ever spent on you… cooperate or else," read a message on her phone. 

“He kept pressuring me to return the things and the money, over 300,000 shillings. I refused to go back into the relationship," said Claire.

Our investigation has obtained M-Pesa records showing suspicious transfers. In November 2025 alone, Elvis allegedly sent nearly 500,000 shillings to Claire’s phone, which she immediately returned. 

“I told him I won’t keep his money. Money cannot buy me. I would rather die single than date for money.”

Even offers of an expensive iPhone were rejected.

Citizen TV has documented seven alleged attacks linked to Elvis. Only two were officially reported.

1. Migori assault – October 2025 

2. Acid on leg at bus station – February 2026 

3. Workplace assault – November 2025 

4. Gun threat at church – March 2026 

5-6. Motorbike attacks – February 2026 

7. Ngong Road acid attack - March 17, 2026 (most severe)

“First, it was the bike. Then another bike. Then the acid on my face. Now I can connect the dots — they were testing," Claire shared.

Government chemist reports confirmed the substance was industrial-grade concentrated sulphuric acid. Samples recovered from Claire's clothing and the suspect were found to match.

“The next thing I saw, the liquid was on Claire’s face, her clothes were melting," Sarah Waitiri, a colleague and witness, detailed. 

Investigators allege that Elvis, the suspected mastermind, recruited a gang from Mathare to execute the attack. But how did a security officer allegedly connect with gang members to plan and carry out such a calculated assault?

Our investigation led us into the heart of Mathare, where sources allege the plot was set in motion. At a local base, they say, a deal was struck ....payment in exchange for revenge.

“Elvis is a police officer… He had spent a lot on the relationship. When it ended, he wanted revenge. He hired guys to punish her. They were given 10,000 deposit, balance after the job," said Taji, a protected whistleblower.

“They tested the acid right there in the base… poured it in a tumbler. It corroded everything. They knew exactly what they were using," added Taji. 

The man arrested at the scene, Lucas Ochieng (a boda boda rider and welder from Mathare), is accused of throwing the acid.

Claire remains at Kenyatta National Hospital, recovering from severe burns to her face, chest, arms, and thigh.

“Claire is not safe. The main suspect is still at large. They can reach her even in the hospital. The family must ensure her security," added Taji. 

As Lucas Ochieng faces a grievous harm charge at the Kibera Law Courts over the alleged acid attack, questions remain why Elvis, the man Claire believes orchestrated it, remains free.

For Claire and her family, every passing day deepens their frustration as they wait for justice they fear is slipping further out of reach.