Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi is recovering after sustaining injuries during an alleged attack by a group of armed individuals in Kisumu County on Wednesday, April 8. According to a statement from the Senator’s office, Osotsi had made a routine stop in the Acacia area, where he first visited a barbershop before heading to a nearby café to meet a friend and interact with members of the public. The visit, described as casual and uneventful at first, later took a violent turn.
It is reported that shortly after his arrival at the café, a group of armed assailants confronted the legislator, allegedly questioning his political stance. The confrontation escalated, leading to an assault that left the Senator injured.
Aide Derick Luvega, Director of Communications at the Vihiga Senate Office, indicated that Osotsi’s security team exercised restraint during the incident to avoid putting civilians at risk. Despite being armed, they reportedly chose not to respond with force in a public setting.
The Senator’s team strongly condemned the incident, terming it a calculated and cowardly act. They also cautioned against using the episode to cast aspersions on the residents of Kisumu, noting that Osotsi had previously moved freely in the area and received a warm reception.
Calls have since been made to the National Police Service to investigate the matter thoroughly. The team urged authorities to review CCTV footage from the café to help identify and apprehend those responsible.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna confirmed that Osotsi was airlifted to Nairobi for specialised medical attention, while condemning the attack and calling for swift action against the perpetrators.
The incident has drawn criticism from several leaders, including Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, who decried the rise in political intolerance and warned of its potential consequences if left unchecked.
The development comes amid heightened political tensions following recent changes within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). Osotsi was recently removed from his position as Deputy Party Leader during a National Delegates Convention linked to the rival faction within the party.
Osotsi is associated with the Linda Mwananchi faction, a group that includes leaders such as Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Siaya Governor James Orengo. The faction has been vocal in its opposition stance, including calls for political change ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As investigations continue, leaders across the political divide are urging calm and emphasizing the need to uphold tolerance and the rule of law.
