‘Shameful and Unacceptable’ – Winnie Odinga on Osotsi Assault

East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) member Winnie Odinga

EALA Member of Parliament Winnie Odinga has condemned the attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, terming the incident shameful and unacceptable.

In a statement shared on her official Instagram account on Thursday, April 9, 2026, Winnie criticised the growing trend of political violence, warning against normalising assaults under the guise of politics.

“You don’t beat up people and call it politics. What happened to Senator Godfrey Osotsi is shameful. No spin. No excuses,” she stated.

Her remarks come as Osotsi continues to receive treatment at Karen Hospital after he was attacked by a group of armed assailants in Kisumu County on Wednesday, April 8.

According to Derick Luvega, Director of Communication at the Vihiga Senate Office, the senator had made a routine visit to the Acacia area for a haircut before heading to a Java restaurant, where he met a friend and interacted with members of the public.

Moments later, a group of armed individuals reportedly confronted him, questioning his political allegiance before launching the attack.

Luvega noted that Osotsi’s security team exercised restraint to avoid discharging firearms in a public setting and risking harm to innocent civilians.

“We strongly condemn this barbaric and cowardly act, which appears to have been premeditated and orchestrated,” the statement read in part.

“It is important to emphasise that this isolated incident should not, in any way, be used to tarnish the image of the people of Kisumu, who have consistently demonstrated warmth and hospitality,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested three suspects linked to the attack.

In a statement issued on Thursday, April 9, 2026, the DCI confirmed that the suspects are in custody and are being processed ahead of their arraignment in court.

“Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kisumu County have arrested three suspects in connection with the attack on Vihiga Senator Hon. Godfrey Osotsi at Java House, West End Mall,” the agency said.

Authorities added that investigations have been intensified, with efforts ongoing to track down additional suspects believed to be involved.

The DCI also thanked members of the public for providing crucial information that has aided the probe and urged continued cooperation to ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice.