Godfrey Osotsi, the Senator for Vihiga County, is recovering after he was attacked by a group of suspected goons in Kisumu in an incident that has drawn sharp condemnation from leaders across the country.
The senator was assaulted on Wednesday at Java House, Western Mall in Kisumu City, where he had made routine stops at a barber shop and later a restaurant before the incident occurred.
In CCTV footage obtained by WKT, a group of men is seen confronting him in what witnesses said was questioning about his political stance before turning violent.
Osotsi sustained injuries during the attack and was initially rushed to a local medical facility. He was later airlifted to Nairobi for specialised treatment.
His security team is said to have refrained from engaging the attackers in order to avoid escalating the situation and putting civilians at risk.
The incident has sparked outrage among political leaders, with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna confirming that the senator is receiving treatment and calling for swift investigations into the attack. Leaders have termed the incident “cowardly” and warned against rising political intolerance.
James Orengo, the Governor of Siaya, described the assault as part of a worrying trend of politically linked violence, cautioning that such incidents could heighten tensions if not addressed.
Authorities have been urged to expedite investigations, including reviewing CCTV footage from the scene, to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The attack comes at a time of increasing political activity and shifting alliances ahead of the 2027 general election, raising concerns over the safety of leaders and the state of political tolerance in the country.
