Three suspects accused of assaulting Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi have been released on a Sh.1 million Bond each, with a surety of a similar amount, after a Kisumu court ruled that the prosecution had failed to provide compelling reasons to deny them bail.
Senior Principal Magistrate Lorraine Ogombe, while delivering the ruling at the Kisumu Law Courts yesterday, said the State did not sufficiently justify continued detention of the accused, underscoring the constitutional right to Bail.
“I hereby allow the application for Bond. I am admitting each of the accused persons to a Bond of one million shillings plus one surety for a similar amount,” ruled Ogombe.
The three Carlos Owiti, Eric Otieno and Vincent Odhiambo, have been in custody for seven days.
They denied two counts of robbery with violence and stealing when they appeared before the Court.
The Court directed that the matter proceeds to a Pre-trial Conference on May 6, 2026, setting the stage for a full hearing of the case.
The charges stem from an incident in which Senator Osotsi, was allegedly attacked by goons at a cafe in Kisumu, a development that sparked public concern and heightened political attention in the region.
Although details of the assault remain the subject of ongoing investigations, the involvement of a sitting Senator has elevated the case’s profile.
Robbery with violence, one of the charges facing the accused, is considered a serious offence under Kenyan law and often attracts severe penalties upon conviction.
The prosecution had opposed the release of the suspects on Bond, but the Court found the arguments insufficient to warrant their continued detention.
In her ruling, Ogombe emphasized that Bail is a constitutional right, unless the prosecution demonstrates compelling reasons such as the likelihood of the accused interfering with witnesses, absconding, or posing a threat to public safety.
The prosecution is expected to present its case during the trial, where the Court will determine the culpability or innocence of the accused based on the evidence.
By Chris Mahandara
