The main suspect in the brutal acid attack on two women was arrested following a coordinated sting operation involving police and a team linked to former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.
Police have linked the attack to a love triangle.
The lead suspect, Elvis Opiyo, a married father of two was presented in court on Monday and police were allowed to hold him for five days pending investigations into the attack.
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 who is fighting for her life at Kenyatta National Hospital after she was doused with acid in the calculated revenge attack allegedly orchestrated by her former lover.
Mary Claire, a member of the Redemption Ministers Choral Group and daughter of an SDA pastor, was accosted by a hired hitman on her way home in Utawala, Nairobi.
The harrowing incident occurred when a man, approached Claire who was walking with her friend, and splashed a corrosive chemical on her face.
The incident, reported on March 17 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 suspect was rescued from the mob by police and taken to Mbagathi Hospital, where he is receiving treatment under police guard.
Authorities have condemned the mob action and warned the public against taking the law into their own hands, even in serious incidents. Investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and to determine the exact substance used.
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