Calls for justice after gospel singer Mary Claire doused with acid in shocking attack

Mary Claire, a singer from the Redemption Ministers SDA choir

A wave of outrage has swept across social media platforms, with Kenyans demanding justice for gospel singer Mary Claire following a brutal acid attack that left her seriously injured.

The incident ignited a storm online, with the hashtag “Justice for Mary Claire” gaining traction as Kenyans condemned the attack and called for accountability for all involved.

Many users have also raised concerns about rising cases of gender-based violence and the use of acid as a weapon, urging authorities to impose strict penalties to deter such acts.

The singer, affiliated with Redemption Ministers, was attacked last week while walking home in the company of her friend, Sarah Watere.

According to eyewitness accounts, an assailant approached her carrying a container filled with a corrosive substance and splashed it on her face before attempting to flee.

Witnesses at the scene described it as a coordinated attack involving two individuals.

One suspect allegedly carried out the assault, while another waited nearby on a motorbike.

“The guy came holding a container with the acid, then splashed it on her. After that, he tried to escape through nearby bushes. They were two. One was on a motorbike, ready to escape,” said an eyewitness.

Burned clothes that Mary Claire put on during the incident./SCREEN GRAB

The plan, however, was disrupted when the public quickly responded, closing in on the suspects. The rider reportedly fled the scene, abandoning his accomplice, who was cornered and beaten by an angry mob.

During the commotion, a phone believed to belong to the suspect rang, drawing further attention from the crowd.

Witnesses claim the caller, who was put on the loudspeaker, asked whether the “job” had been completed, raising suspicions about a premeditated attack.

“People forced him to answer the call on loudspeaker. The caller asked, ‘Have you finished the job?’ That’s when the crowd became more agitated,” the eyewitness recounted.

The victim’s friend, Watere, gave a chilling account of the moments following the attack, describing the immediate effects of the chemical burns.

“The next thing I saw was Claire’s clothes melting. We were screaming. She told me, ‘Sarah, I’m dying, get me water, wash my face,’” she said.

Sarah Watere, Claire's friend, during an interview with Citizen TV./SCREEN GRAB

Mary Claire was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment. Her condition has sparked widespread concern, with many online users expressing solidarity and calling for swift justice.

Police have since arrested the main suspect, who is being held at Kibera Police Station and is expected to be arraigned in court. Detectives are continuing investigations into the motive behind the attack.

In a significant development, authorities also arrested the victim’s alleged ex-boyfriend on Sunday in Kibera, following claims by the suspect that he had been sent to carry out the assault.

As investigations continue, pressure is mounting on law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough probe and deliver justice for the young singer whose life has been abruptly altered by the vicious attack.