Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations has arrested three suspects linked to the assault on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi at Java House in Kisumu's West End Mall on Wednesday, April 8. Youths attacked Osotsi after questioning his opposition to re-electing President William Ruto. He was airlifted to Nairobi for treatment amid protests demanding justice.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi was assaulted by a group of armed youths at Java House in Kisumu's West End Mall on Wednesday, April 8. According to his communications director Derick Luvega, Osotsi had visited Westend Mall for a haircut before heading to the cafe to meet a friend and speak with the public for about 30 minutes. The youths confronted him over his opposition to re-electing President William Ruto, despite ODM's decision to back the president in 2027.
CCTV footage shows Osotsi pinned to the floor as attackers beat him. His guards rescued him, and he received initial treatment in Kisumu before being airlifted to Nairobi. Two weeks prior, Osotsi was expelled as ODM deputy leader and aligns with the Linda Mwananchi faction led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
On Thursday, April 9, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations arrested three suspects aged 24, 39, and 27 from Kisumu's Nyalenda and Manyatta areas. More suspects are being pursued as investigations intensify. DCI thanked the public for tips.
Opposition leaders, including Wiper's Kalonzo Musyoka, demanded Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo's resignation within 24 hours, accusing him of orchestrating the attack. "Raymond Omollo should immediately resign," Musyoka said. Residents in Luanda, Vihiga, blocked the Kisumu-Busia highway demanding arrests. ODM condemned the assault through acting Secretary General Catherine Omondi.