Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi hospitalised after attack by goons in Kisumu

According to Derick Luvega, Director of Communication at the Vihiga Senate Office, Osotsi had made a routine visit to the Acacia area to get a haircut before proceeding to Java restaurant, where he met a friend and also interacted with members of the public.

Shortly after, a group of gun-wielding individuals is said to have confronted him, questioning him over his political allegiance.

Owing to his support for the 'one-term' movement as an affiliate of the Linda Mwananchi faction, the goons reportedly assaulted the Senator.

Luvega indicated that Osotsi's security detail exercised restraint to avoid discharging firearms in public and hurting innocent lives in the process. 

"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."

Osotsi's team called on the National Police Service to review the CCTV footage at Java Restaurant to identify and arrest those culpable.

While divulging more details on the matter, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna revealed that the Senator was airlifted to Nairobi for medical assistance. 

"The Senator is being airlifted to Nairobi as we speak. Whilst we wait further details, I strongly condemn this attack and ask the police for immediate action on those responsible," Sifuna posted on X. 

Further, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo condemned the incident, noting that 'political intolerance must be stamped out. 

"I have learnt, with much disappointment, of the alleged assault on Vihiga Senator, Hon Geoffrey Osotsi, by some Goons while at a Kisumu Caffee! This act of cowardice, Political intolerance & goonism  must be condemned & stamped-out. If we don’t, 2027 might be ominous!" Amollo posted on X. 

The development comes weeks after Osotsi was ousted as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy Party Leader during the Linda Ground's National Delegates Convention (NDC). 

Opting to hold a parallel meeting, the Linda Mwananchi faction comprising Osotsi, Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Siaya Governor James Orengo called for President William Ruto's exit in the 2027 polls.