A section of lawmakers have sharply criticised security agencies over rising cases of violence and alleged inaction, following the reported attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.
The leaders, led by Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo, issued a stern warning to the Inspector General of Police, cautioning against what they termed as a failure to protect citizens.
“I ask the IG not to push Kenyans into taking the law into their own hands,” said Oundo. “We are one people, and if the IG will not deal with these goons, we will deal with them.”
The remarks come amid growing concern over the safety of both leaders and ordinary citizens, with MPs alleging a pattern of intimidation and violence across the country.
Butere MP Tindi Scott Mwale questioned the effectiveness of security agencies in curbing such incidents, raising alarm over what he described as widespread attacks.
“How many Kenyans are being targeted and attacked day and night? We need the safety of Kenyans, and we need all culprits to be taken to court,” he said.
He added, “We are calling upon the IG, and if you are unable to work, resign so that someone else can serve Kenyans.”
Mwale further faulted local police for their response to the incident involving Senator Osotsi, noting a lack of communication from authorities.
“We are not getting any statements from the nearby stations where Osotsi was attacked,” he added. “We need to address the security problems facing all Kenyans so that we are safe.”
The MPs linked the incident to a broader trend of unresolved attacks against political leaders, warning that continued silence from authorities could embolden perpetrators.
Nominated MP Nabwire drew parallels with previous incidents, citing the case of Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were.
“It started like this in the case of MP Ong’ondo Were, and the same IG kept quiet. Mr IG, go to the ground, roll up your sleeves, and arrest the criminals. Parliament has mourned enough, Mr Kanja. We do not want to lose any more MPs,” she said.
Lawmakers now say they will escalate the matter by summoning the Inspector General to appear before Parliament to explain the state of security in the country.
“We are going to summon the IG to appear before us and tell us what is happening regarding security in Kenya,” said Mwale.
Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe also condemned the attack, warning against the use of violence to settle political differences.
“We are performing poorly in terms of security. Kenya is a democratic country, and political differences should not be a reason for assault or attack,” he said.
He added, “We will not tolerate this. When the Nyanza region needed our support, we gave it as Luhyas, and we fully condemn this act. Security agencies should move with speed, identify those responsible, and resolve this matter.”
Mugabe further warned that political tolerance must prevail, cautioning against escalation.
“If it means changing our political affiliations, we will do so. We cannot go that low or resort to violence,” he said.
Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo termed the attack on Osotsi as serious and called for immediate investigations, describing it as an attempted murder.
“We have seen this before through different patterns, and what happened to Senator Osotsi amounts to attempted murder. Security agencies must tell us what happened,” said Maanzo.
He added, “I urge young people not to allow themselves to be used by politicians. DCI and the IG, we demand an immediate report and the arrest of those responsible.”
The incident has sparked renewed debate over the capacity of security agencies to guarantee safety, particularly for public officials, with legislators now pushing for accountability and swift action to restore public confidence.
