Claire Ochieng says a relationship she ended turned into a terrifying campaign of violence that culminated in a life-changing acid attack, as she continues to seek justice months later.
A 25-year-old woman is fighting for justice after surviving a brutal acid attack that left her with severe burns to her face, chest, arms and thigh in what she claims was a calculated revenge mission orchestrated by her former boyfriend.
Claire Ochieng, who is currently recovering after spending nearly four months in the burns unit at Kenyatta National Hospital, has accused her ex-partner, Elvis Opiyo, of masterminding a series of violent attacks against her after she ended their relationship.
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According to an exclusive investigation by Citizen TV, Opiyo—who Claire alleges is an officer attached to the National Intelligence Service (NIS)—has been linked to a string of alleged assaults that began after their relationship ended in 2025. The allegations have not been proven in court, and Opiyo has not been convicted of any offence.
Relationship Turned Sour
Claire said she met Opiyo in 2019 before they began dating in June 2021. However, she later discovered that he was married with two children.
She said she decided to end the relationship in April 2025 after confronting him about the matter, but claims he refused to accept the breakup.
According to Claire, the situation quickly escalated from repeated pleas to reconcile into threats and intimidation.
She alleges that Opiyo demanded she return gifts, clothes, money and other items he had purchased during their relationship.
Among the evidence obtained by Citizen TV were WhatsApp messages in which the sender allegedly demanded the return of property and more than KSh300,000, warning her to “cooperate or else.”
Claire maintains that she refused to return to the relationship despite the pressure.
Suspicious Money Transfers
Citizen TV also reported obtaining M-Pesa records showing that nearly KSh500,000 was allegedly transferred to Claire by Opiyo in November 2025.
Claire said she immediately refunded the money, insisting that she did not want financial support tied to the relationship.
“I told him I won’t keep his money. Money cannot buy me. I would rather die single than date for money,” she told Citizen TV.
She also claimed to have rejected expensive gifts, including an iPhone.
Series of Alleged Attacks
Claire believes the acid attack was the culmination of several previous attempts to intimidate or harm her.
According to the investigation, seven separate incidents have allegedly been linked to the same suspect, including assaults, motorcycle attacks, threats involving a firearm and two acid-related incidents.
The most devastating attack occurred after work when Claire and her colleague, Sarah Waitiri, were walking along Ngong Road.
Without warning, two men allegedly approached them before one of them threw concentrated sulphuric acid directly onto Claire’s face.
Sarah, who witnessed the incident, recalled seeing Claire’s clothes immediately begin to disintegrate after the corrosive liquid was poured on her.
Government Chemist Findings
The investigation reported that tests conducted by the Government Chemist confirmed the substance used was industrial-grade concentrated sulphuric acid.
According to Citizen TV, samples collected from Claire’s clothing allegedly matched samples recovered during the investigation.
Claims of Hired Attackers
Citizen TV further reported allegations from a protected whistleblower identified only as “Taji”, who claimed the attack was organised through individuals based in Nairobi’s Mathare area.
The whistleblower alleged that attackers were promised payment to execute the assault and that the acid was allegedly tested beforehand to confirm its destructive effects.
These claims remain allegations and have not been independently verified in court.
Arrest Made as Questions Remain
One suspect, Lucas Ochieng, a boda boda rider and welder from Mathare, was arrested at the scene and has since been charged with causing grievous harm at the Kibera Law Courts.
He has not been convicted, and the case remains before the court.
Meanwhile, Claire says she remains concerned that the person she believes masterminded the attack has not been arrested.
Family Seeks Justice
Claire continues to receive treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital as she recovers from injuries that have permanently altered her life.
Her family has expressed concern over her safety, fearing she could still be at risk while the investigation continues.
As the criminal case against the accused assailant proceeds, Claire says she hopes authorities will fully investigate everyone allegedly involved and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
The allegations surrounding the case remain under investigation, and all suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.