Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi was assaulted by a group of armed individuals in Kisumu County on Wednesday, April 8, in an incident that has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over political intolerance.
According to his communications team, the Senator had visited the Acacia area for a routine haircut before heading to a Java restaurant, where he met a friend and interacted with members of the public. It was during this time that a group of gun-wielding individuals confronted him, reportedly questioning his political allegiance before physically attacking him.
“The Senator had made a routine visit to the Acacia area for personal grooming (to get a shave) before proceeding to the Java restaurant, where he met a friend and interacted cordially with members of the public for approximately thirty minutes,” stated the Senator’s office.
They added, “It was during this time that a group of gun-wielding individuals confronted him, questioned his political stance, and subsequently subjected him to physical manhandling.”
His security detail reportedly refrained from using firearms to avoid endangering members of the public.
“We strongly condemn this barbaric and cowardly act, which appears to have been premeditated and orchestrated,” the statement read in part.
“It is important to emphasise that this isolated incident should not, in any way, be used to tarnish the image of the people of Kisumu, who have consistently demonstrated warmth and hospitality, as evidenced by the Senator’s free movement and interactions prior to the attack.”
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna confirmed that Osotsi sustained injuries serious enough to require urgent medical attention and was being flown to Nairobi for treatment.
“I have spoken to Senator Osotsi’s team and confirmed that he was viciously attacked and injured in Kisumu earlier today when he went to get a haircut,” Sifuna said.
“The Senator is being airlifted to Nairobi as we speak. While we await further details, I strongly condemn this attack and ask the police for immediate action against those responsible.”
Leaders allied to the opposition also condemned the incident, with Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo warning against rising political hostility.
“I have learnt, with much disappointment, of the alleged assault on Vihiga Senator Hon. Godfrey Osotsi by some goons while at a Kisumu café! This act of cowardice, political intolerance, and goonism must be condemned and stamped out. If we don’t, 2027 might be ominous!”
Osotsi’s team has called on the National Police Service to review CCTV footage from the restaurant and apprehend those responsible.
The attack comes amid heightened political tensions, with the Senator recently associated with the Linda Mwananchi faction, which has been critical of the government ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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