ODM condemns attack on Senator Osotsi, demands swift investigations

The Orange Democratic Movement has condemned the attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi in Kisumu, calling for urgent investigations and action against those responsible while warning against rising political violence in the country.

In a statement released on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga described the incident as unacceptable and urged security agencies to move quickly to establish what happened and ensure those behind it are held accountable.

The party said the attack goes against democratic principles and undermines the safety of leaders who engage in public service, stressing that political differences should never lead to harm or intimidation.

“The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) strongly condemns the cowardly and criminal attack on Vihiga Senator, Hon. Godfrey Osotsi, in Kisumu earlier today,” the statement reads

Wanga emphasized that ODM rejects any form of violence or coercion in political activity, adding that the party’s foundation is built on respect for rights, openness, and lawful engagement.

“ODM is not a party of intimidation, coercion, or political violence. Our movement is founded on the principles of social democracy, pluralism, and constitutionalism. The ODM Party Constitution explicitly commits us to the protection of human rights and the eradication of tribalism, sectionalism, harassment and oppression. It further mandates the party to defend the freedom of expression and the human dignity of every Kenyan,” Wanga wrote.

She further noted that these principles have guided the party over time and remain central to how it approaches political participation, insisting that leaders and citizens must be free to express themselves without fear.

“These are not abstract ideals but are the very values upon which ODM was built through years of struggle. Our party has consistently stood for an open society where citizens and leaders alike are free to speak, organise, and differ without fear. Kenya’s Constitution equally protects the right of every citizen to make political choices. Any attack on a leader because of his views or associations is an attack on the very democratic space Kenyans fought so hard to win. Violence is never an acceptable response to political contestation,” the statement reads.

She also conveyed ODM’s message of support to Senator Osotsi and his family, wishing him a quick recovery following the incident.

“We wish Senator Osotsi a quick and full recovery. We stand in solidarity with him, his family, and all those who believe in peaceful engagement,” the statement reads.

Wanga called on the National Police Service to act without delay in identifying, arresting, and prosecuting those involved, warning that failure to act could embolden similar incidents in the future.

“We call upon the National Police Service to move swiftly and decisively to identify, arrest, and prosecute all those responsible for this cowardly act. Political violence must never be normalised or rewarded,” the statement reads.

She further cautioned against linking the incident to the people of Kisumu, urging that responsibility be placed solely on individuals who commit crimes rather than communities.

“At the same time, this shameful incident must not be used to stigmatise the people of Kisumu. Criminal acts are committed by individuals and should be treated as such; they must not become a pretext for profiling an entire city or community,” she concluded.

Senator Osotsi was injured in the attack that occurred in Kisumu on Wednesday and was later moved to Nairobi for further medical care.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna confirmed the incident, stating that he had received information from Osotsi’s team and verified that the senator had been assaulted while in Kisumu.

“I have spoken to Senator Osotsi’s team and confirmed that he was viciously attacked and injured in Kisumu earlier today when he went to get a haircut,” Sifuna wrote.