Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has called on the Senate to urgently return from recess to address the violent attack on Godfrey Osotsi, saying lawmakers should deal with the matter while it is still fresh and of public concern. His remarks come after the Senate went on a short recess on April 3, 2026, with a planned resumption set for April 20.
Speaking on Radio Generation on Thursday, Omtatah described the incident in Kisumu as deliberate and coordinated, raising concern over what he termed growing political intolerance in the country. He insisted that the attack appeared planned and aimed at causing serious harm to the Vihiga senator.
“It was an organized crowd on a mission, and their mission was to eliminate him,” he claimed, adding that Osotsi narrowly avoided more severe consequences. “I just thank God that those people did not drag him out of the hotel… in the nick of time he was saved.”
Osotsi was attacked on April 8, 2026, by a group of individuals in Kisumu in what leaders have described as a coordinated assault. Reports indicate that he sustained injuries during the incident and was later airlifted to Nairobi for further medical attention after being “viciously attacked” by a crowd.
The incident, which is said to have taken place at a hotel and nearby areas, has drawn strong reactions from political leaders who have demanded swift investigations and accountability from security agencies. Calls have also been made for those behind the attack to be identified and prosecuted.
Omtatah expressed deep concern about the level of violence, linking it to broader issues of political hostility. Drawing from his personal experience, he said the attack on Osotsi was painful to witness and recalled his own past encounter with violence.
“I still feel the pain of that kick to his mouth… I’ve also been hit in the mouth, and I don’t have 10 teeth in my mouth,” he said, while wishing Osotsi a quick recovery.
He further urged security agencies to take firm action, arguing that the matter should not be left unresolved. According to him, both the attackers and any individuals who may have supported or organized the assault must be brought to justice.
“Our police don’t suffer from incompetence… they suffer from sabotage by those in charge of the state,” he claimed, calling on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the National Intelligence Service to act decisively.
Omtatah described the attack as a reflection of rising impunity and political hooliganism, warning that continued incidents of this nature could weaken democratic space and public trust in governance.
“It was done in broad daylight… what level of impunity is this?” he posed.
He now wants the Senate recalled from recess to deliberate on the matter urgently. “I was even hoping that the Senate could be recalled… so that we can debate this thing when it is still hot and call the police to tell us exactly what has been done,” he said.
Omtatah emphasized that recalling the Senate is necessary not only because the victim is a senator, but also to reinforce the responsibility of government to protect lives and property and to restore confidence in the rule of law.
