MP Odhiambo to critics: Stop dragging PS Omollo into Osotsi attack

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Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo has urged individuals to avoid drawing Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo into discussions surrounding the recent assault on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, saying such links are unfounded and risk misdirecting public attention.

Speaking on the matter, Odhiambo cautioned against attempts to associate government officials with the incident, stressing that those allegedly involved should not be confused with state actors.

He said, “I don’t know how the name of the Internal Security PS is coming in when these are known 'employees' of a politician,” distancing Omollo from any suggested connection to the attack.

The legislator instead pointed to what he described as a broader challenge of political violence, saying incidents of intimidation and assault are often driven by political competition rather than state involvement.

“As we talk about goonism, the goons are employed by politicians. Each politician must take responsibility for their goons because the manufacturers of these goons are politicians,” he alleged.

Odhiambo also called for restraint among political actors ahead of the election period, urging accountability and caution to prevent further escalation of violence.

“As we head towards elections, the government must be firm and deal decisively with political goons,” he added.

At the same time, he warned against involving civil servants in political disputes, saying public officers should be allowed to perform their duties without being drawn into partisan conflict.

“If you live in glass houses, don’t throw stones. Let politicians fight politicians and allow government officers to run government without unnecessary attacks from the political class,” he said.

Odhiambo commended security agencies for their response to the incident, including arrests made in connection with the assault on Senator Osotsi, praising the Inspector General of Police and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations for their work.

He further urged leaders to take personal security seriously and make use of the protection mechanisms provided to them.

The MP also called for further investigations into all circumstances surrounding the incident, saying all leads should be examined carefully by investigators.

He noted that a woman was mentioned in relation to the incident and said investigators should clarify her involvement. However, he stressed that such matters should be established through proper inquiry.

“There was a lady involved in that arrangement. Investigators must establish her role, whether she was used as a ploy to confuse or lure the senator," Odhiambo said.

The remarks come amid heightened political concern over rising incidents of violence, with leaders continuing to debate accountability and the role of security agencies as the country moves closer to the next election cycle.