Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed that most suspects linked to the violent attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi fled across the border shortly after the incident, complicating efforts to bring them to justice.
Appearing before Parliament, Murkomen said early investigations gained momentum after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) released images of the suspects to the public.
The move prompted three individuals to surrender, while a larger group is believed to have escaped to a neighbouring country.
“DCI circulated the pictures, three of them presented themselves. The rest of them, 13 or 14, ran out of the country,” Murkomen told lawmakers.
He added that Kenyan security agencies are now working closely with cross-border authorities to trace and arrest the remaining suspects.
The National Police Service, under the Inspector General, is coordinating with the DCI to ensure those involved are apprehended and prosecuted.
Despite the suspects’ escape, Murkomen assured Parliament that the government remains committed to pursuing all individuals linked to the attack and dismantling any networks behind it.
“We are working with authorities in the neighbouring country, and we will arrest all of them eventually,” he said.
Senator Osotsi’s Violent Attack
The assault occurred on April 8 while Osotsi was seated at a restaurant. According to the senator, he had briefly sent his security officer to withdraw money when a group of about 15 to 20 youths entered the premises.
CCTV footage later showed the group surrounding him before launching a brutal हमला, beating and attempting to drag him away. His security team reportedly held back from using force due to the crowded setting, prioritising civilian safety.
Osotsi recounted that the attackers initially appeared calm and even greeted him before turning violent.
“I was seated facing the main entrance, so I saw them coming in. They did not look hostile. They were shouting ‘Senator’. Two of them greeted me. I did not see any danger,” he said.
“All of a sudden, they started hitting me and asking why I was supporting one term. Before long, I was unconscious because they hit me so hard.”
He managed to escape through the restaurant’s kitchen, where his security team evacuated him and rushed him to hospital.
The attackers reportedly questioned Osotsi’s political stance, particularly his opposition to President William Ruto’s re-election bid and his association with the “one-term” movement under the Linda Mwananchi faction.
The senator has since described the incident as a politically motivated assassination attempt.
Court Proceedings Underway
So far, three suspects have been charged in connection with the attack. They appeared before a Kisumu court, where they denied all charges.
Senior Principal Magistrate Lorraine Ogombe granted each of them bail, setting bond at Sh1 million with one surety of a similar amount.
“I am admitting the accused persons to a bond of Sh1 million plus one surety of a similar amount,” the magistrate ruled.
The case is set to proceed to a pre-trial conference on May 6, 2026, as investigations continue and authorities pursue the remaining suspects believed to be outside the country.
