Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi is recovering in hospital after a violent attack in Kisumu, as leaders dismiss online claims of a love triangle and investigators move to establish what really happened.
The lawmaker was assaulted by a group of more than 15 men at a restaurant, in what leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi faction are now describing as a politically motivated attack rather than a personal dispute.
The senator’s attack came a day after he declared his intention to succeed Governor Wilber Otichilo in Vihiga in 2027.
Leaders Dismiss ‘Love Triangle’ Narrative
Speaking after visiting the senator at Karen Hospital, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other leaders strongly refuted claims circulating online that Osotsi was attacked while in the company of a married woman.
According to the leaders, the senator had been meeting a female staff member from his Senate office when the incident occurred.
“There are bloggers trying to push a cheap narrative of a love triangle to cover up what is clearly a serious matter,” said Kitutu Chache South MP Antoney Kibagendi.
Sifuna added that Osotsi was engaged in official discussions at the time, noting that the senator is also preparing a bid for the Vihiga gubernatorial seat.
How the Attack Happened
Osotsi recounted that earlier in the day, he had visited Acacia Mall, where he interacted briefly with a group of youths after buying them tea. He later proceeded to a restaurant to meet his staff.
Moments after sending his bodyguard on an errand, the same group allegedly stormed the premises, as captured on CCTV footage, and launched a brutal attack on the unarmed senator.
He was later airlifted to Nairobi for treatment in an operation organised by Parliament and received at Wilson Airport by several leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo and former minister Raphael Tuju.
Senator Stable but Injured
Providing an update, Sifuna said the legislator remains in stable condition but sustained significant injuries.
“He is badly injured, but the doctors are taking good care of him. They say he is stable. It shouldn’t come to this,” he said.
“The barbaric, early morning ambush on Linda Mwananchi Principal and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi at Java House, Western Mall in Kisumu, is a disgusting display of cowardice. Make no mistake, this was not a random act of violence,” Siaya Governor James Orengo stated when he visited the injured Senator in hospital.
Orengo said the attack was aimed at silencing the senator and his allies who have chosen to dissent from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), a part of which is supporting President Ruto.
Meanwhile, the governor demanded action from Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, who he claimed the mastermind of the attack it known to. ROrengo said the chief suspect has been used to mobilise crowds for Ruto whenever he visits Nyanza.
“I want to tell Raymond Omollo. I don’t like mentioning names, but now it has been concretised and known as a fact; there is a gentleman from Seme who is used in mobilising thugs and attacking those characterised as not being politically correct. He was in the building and when he saw Osotsi, he called the attackers,” Orengo claimed.
Doctors are expected to conduct further scans, particularly to assess possible head injuries.
DCI Launches Investigations
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has since launched investigations into the incident, condemning the attack as “brazen and cowardly.”
In a statement, the agency confirmed that detectives are analysing CCTV footage and pursuing critical leads, although the motive behind the attack remains unclear.
“We urge members of the public to remain calm and refrain from speculation as investigations continue,” the DCI said, pledging to bring those responsible to justice.
Calls for Arrests and Accountability
Leaders have demanded swift action from security agencies, questioning why suspects have not yet been arrested. They also called on the Interior Ministry to address what they described as a growing trend of politically linked violence.
While condemning the incident, Sifuna maintained that the attack should not be used to tarnish the reputation of Kisumu residents.
“This is not a reflection of the people of Kisumu. These are hired thugs, and action must be taken against those behind it,” he said.
