The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched investigations into an attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi at a restaurant in Kisumu, terming the incident a brazen and cowardly.
In a statement following the incident at Java House located at West End Mall, the agency confirmed that detectives are actively pursuing leads to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) strongly condemns the brazen and cowardly attack on Vihiga Senator Hon. Godfrey Osotsi that occurred at Java House-West End Mall in Kisumu,” the statement read.
The DCI extended its well wishes to the legislator, expressing hope for his recovery.
“We wish the Senator a swift and full recovery. Our thoughts are also with his family members and the people of Vihiga County following this unfortunate incident,” the agency said.
Authorities indicated that the motive behind the attack remains unclear, but assured the public that significant progress is being made through forensic analysis.
“At this stage, the motive behind the attack has not been established. Our detectives are actively pursuing very crucial leads following a detailed forensic analysis of the available CCTV footage,” the statement added.
Investigators are now focusing on reviewing surveillance footage and gathering evidence that could lead to the identification and arrest of those responsible.
The DCI has called on the public to remain calm and avoid speculation as investigations continue.
“We urge members of the public to remain calm, refrain from speculation, and allow investigations to proceed without interference,” the agency stated.
Reaffirming its commitment to justice, the DCI assured that those behind the attack will be held accountable.
“The DCI is fully committed to getting to the bottom of this matter and will ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. Members of the public will be kept informed as investigations progress,” the statement concluded.
According to the Senator’s aide, he 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.
Osotsi, who represents Vihiga County in the Senate, is a member of the Linda Mwanachi faction of ODM led by among other Sifuna and Siaya Senator James Orengo.
He was recently dropped from the ODM Deputy Party leader position following his alignment with the side.