“You don’t beat up people and call it politics. What happened to Senator Godfrey Osotsi is shameful. No spin. No excuses,” EALA member of Parliament Winnie Odinga has said, sharply condemning the violent attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi in an incident that has now triggered arrests and intensified investigations.
Her remarks followed the attack on Osotsi in Kisumu County on Wednesday, April 8, where he was assaulted by a group of armed individuals and later admitted at Karen Hospital for treatment.
The senator had earlier spent part of his day in Acacia area, where he went for a routine haircut before heading to Java House at West End Mall, where he met a friend and briefly interacted with members of the public.
According to Derick Luvega, Director of Communication at the Vihiga Senate Office, the attack happened shortly after armed individuals confronted him and questioned his political position before turning violent. His security team reportedly acted cautiously and avoided opening fire in a crowded area to prevent harm to civilians.
The Senate office condemned the incident, describing it as deliberate and coordinated.
“We strongly condemn this barbaric and cowardly act, which appears to have been premeditated and orchestrated,” the statement read in part.
Officials also urged against linking the incident to the wider Kisumu community, noting that the senator had moved freely and interacted peacefully with residents before the attack.
“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.”
Winnie Odinga alongside Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi at the Karen hospital on April 9, 2026.PHOTO/XMeanwhile, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations confirmed that three suspects have already been arrested and are being held as investigations continue.
"Arrest of suspects linked to the attack on Vihiga Senator Hon.Godfrey Osotsi. Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations in Kisumu County have arrested three suspects in connection with the attack on Vihiga Senator Hon. Godfrey Osotsi at Java House, West End Mall,” the agency said.
Investigators say more arrests are expected as they pursue additional individuals linked to the attack, while urging members of the public to continue sharing information.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations thanks members of the public who have volunteered useful information to aid the ongoing investigations and urges continued cooperation as detectives work to bring all perpetrators to justice”
Leaders have since called for calm as pressure mounts for full accountability over the attack.
