Senator Osotsi records statement with DCI over Kisumu attack as Linda Mwananchi team demands arrests

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has formally recorded a statement with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations officers at Parliament over an alleged attack that he says occurred in Kisumu, as pressure mounts for action against those suspected to be involved.

The senator, who was accompanied by members of the Linda Mwananchi team, met investigators on Tuesday and insisted that those behind the incident must be arrested and prosecuted without delay.

The team is also demanding swift investigations, saying they are in possession of what they describe as “overwhelming” evidence linking a senior state officer to the attack.

They further warned that if state agencies fail to move with speed to arrest and charge the said officer, they will move ahead with private prosecution.

The delegation accused government-linked actors of enabling rising cases of political violence and goonism, saying the attack on Osotsi reflects a wider pattern of intimidation targeting leaders in the country. They also faulted the government for what they say is silence over the incident, arguing that there has been no public response on the matter.

 

Siaya Governor James Orengo accused the government of failing to act decisively on recent cases of alleged politically linked attacks involving hired goons, including the assault on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.

He claimed that Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo was acting as the main organiser of the groups and should be arrested and charged.

“We are extremely unsatisfied with how the investigations are going. We are seeing people who have not been summoned to record statements. The ring leader has not been summoned, PS Omollo has not been summoned,” he said.

“If the police do not arrest and prosecute the mastermind, then we will institute private prosecution.”

Orengo further alleged that the State was tolerating organised violence, questioning why the President had not spoken out as tensions rise in the political arena.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna on his part also accused elements within the security apparatus of being involved in the mobilisation of goons.

“We will come to Kisumu on the 26th of this month to thank the people of Kisumu for identifying these people,” Sifuna said.

The Linda Mwananchi team has already recorded a statement with police at Parliament, signalling possible legal action.

Meanwhile, three suspects linked to the attack on Senator Osotsi have been arrested and are expected to be arraigned. They include Carlos Owiti alias Kalonje (24) and Vincent Odhiambo alias Tinga (27), both from Nyalenda, and Eric Otieno alias Dude (39) from Manyatta.

Opposition leaders have continued to point fingers at PS Omollo, demanding accountability and his resignation over the incidents.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the PS had failed in his mandate and should step aside or face legal consequences.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also accused the Interior Ministry of being behind chaos witnessed in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, during a political gathering attended by opposition leaders.

“Goons are now part of the National Police service and work alongside the police in causing chaos and unleashing violence against innocent Kenyans,” he said on X.

“Police have confirmed to us in confidence that goons are deployed to work alongside the police on orders of CS Murkomen and PS Raymond Omollo,” he added.