Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has revealed how he orchestrated a calculated plan that led to the arrest of a suspect linked to the brutal acid attack on gospel singer Mary Claire.
Speaking on the matter, Sonko disclosed that the suspect—identified as Elvis Opiyo and allegedly linked to the National Intelligence Service (NIS)—had gone into hiding shortly after the attack, fleeing Nairobi to evade arrest.
The shocking incident, which occurred in Kibera, left Mary Claire with severe facial injuries and triggered widespread public outrage, with many Kenyans demanding swift justice.
According to Sonko, efforts to locate the suspect proved difficult until he and his team devised a ruse to lure him out. Through a mutual contact, they allegedly convinced the suspect that Mary Claire wanted to meet or reconcile with him.
Believing the request was genuine, the suspect reportedly traveled back to Nairobi for the meeting—unaware that it was a trap.
Sonko stated that upon arrival, the suspect was swiftly apprehended by law enforcement officers who had been alerted in advance.
“We lied to him and made him travel… and that’s how he was arrested,” Sonko said, describing the operation as a necessary step to ensure justice for the victim.
Mary Claire is currently receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital, where doctors are monitoring her recovery. She is reported to have sustained damage to one eye, though medics remain hopeful about her healing.
The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue, with authorities working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
The case has sparked national debate, not only due to its brutality but also because of the suspect’s alleged links to a state agency—raising concerns over accountability and the abuse of power.
