Residents of Kisumu were left shaken after Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi was violently attacked and seriously injured in a brazen daytime incident that has sparked national outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of political leaders.
The attack occurred on Wednesday shortly after noon near the Acacia Building, where the senator had reportedly gone for a routine haircut before briefly stopping for coffee. According to eyewitnesses, armed assailants arriving on a motorcycle stormed the area and opened fire, sending people fleeing in panic.
“It happened so fast, everyone was just running to stay alive,” one witness recounted, describing the chaotic scene as gunshots rang out.
Osotsi’s communication team later confirmed the incident, stating that the attackers were aggressive and inflicted significant injuries on the legislator. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna also confirmed the development, saying:
“I have spoken to Senator Godfrey Osotsi’s team and confirmed that he was viciously attacked and injured in Kisumu earlier today when he went to get a haircut.”
Due to the severity of his injuries, Osotsi was first rushed to Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu before being airlifted to Nairobi for specialized treatment.
Siaya Governor James Orengo, who visited the senator, described the injuries as severe.“His face was completely deformed when I first saw him,” Orengo said, underscoring the brutality of the assault. He further alleged that the attack may have been politically motivated, linking it to Osotsi’s outspoken stance on the Linda Mwananchi Initiative.
Orengo also claimed this was not the first time the senator had been targeted, referencing a previous attack during a press briefing in Kisumu. He further alleged that the assailants made away with Osotsi’s personal belongings, including mobile phones, and called for swift arrests based on CCTV footage.
In a statement, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations condemned the incident, terming it “brazen and cowardly.” The agency confirmed that detectives are actively pursuing leads and conducting forensic analysis of CCTV recordings.
“We urge members of the public to remain calm and avoid speculation that may interfere with investigations,” the DCI stated, while wishing the senator a quick recovery.
The incident has drawn visits from several high-profile leaders, including James Orengo, Raphael Tuju, and Kalonzo Musyoka, who have all expressed solidarity with the injured lawmaker.
Despite the ordeal, Osotsi has remained defiant. According to Orengo, the senator has vowed not to be intimidated.
“No attack will deter me from my political path or my commitment to justice and democracy,” he relayed on Osotsi’s behalf.
As investigations continue, the motive behind the attack remains unclear, but the incident has intensified calls for enhanced security for public officials amid rising political tensions in the country.
