Vihiga Senator Osotsi alleges assault at a Kisumu hotel

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi claims he has been assaulted today in Kisumu by a group of armed goons who wanted to know why he is in the ‘one-term’ brigade.

Osotsi’s aide said the senator was on a routine visit to Acacia for personal grooming (to take a shave) before proceeding to Java restaurant, where he met a friend and interacted cordially with members of the public for about 30 minutes.

It was during this time that a group of gun-wielding individuals confronted him, questioning his political stance and subsequently subjecting him to physical manhandling. They demanded to know why he is supporting one-term and not two-term.

The senator's security detail that was present is said to have exercised restraint to avoid discharging firearms in a public setting, which could have resulted in grave harm to innocent civilians.

“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,” Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna said.  

He said Osotsi was airlifted to Nairobi. “Whilst we wait further details, I strongly condemn this attack and ask the police for immediate action on those responsible,” Sifuna said in a post on his social media pages.

The office of the director of communication, Vihiga senator's office said it strongly condemns the barbaric and cowardly act, which appears to have been premeditated and orchestrated.

“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 office said in a statement.

The team urged the National Police Service to act with urgency and thoroughness in investigating the incident.

“The availability of CCTV surveillance at Java restaurant provides a critical starting point for identifying and apprehending those responsible. The rule of law must prevail and those behind this heinous act must be held accountable,” his office said.

Last month, Osotsi was removed as one of the Deputy ODM party leaders during the party’s Special Delegates Convention held in Nairobi. He and Sifuna are among ODM leaders who have rejected a proposed plan to sign a pre-election coalition with UDA.