Siaya Governor James Orengo has strongly condemned the violent attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi in Kisumu, terming it a dangerous escalation of political intolerance, even as the legislator was airlifted to Nairobi for specialised treatment.
Orengo, who visited the injured senator at Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu, said Osotsi sustained serious injuries in the attack, describing his condition as grave.
“He is seriously injured; his face is completely disfigured. When I got to the hospital, I could not recognize him,” Orengo said.
He confirmed that the injured senator had been evacuated from the Aga Khan Hospital Kisumu and was being airlifted to Nairobi for specialised treatment.
The governor said the senator was attacked by a gang of armed youths at West End Mall Java Cafe while having coffee with a friend shortly after a haircut, in what he termed a targeted assault.
He further claimed the attackers robbed the senator of personal belongings, including mobile phones, and also assaulted his companion.
Orengo linked the incident to a pattern of politically instigated violence, alleging that similar attacks had previously targeted the senator and other leaders.
“This kind of attack from political thugs is happening to him for the second time in Kisumu,” he said, recalling an earlier incident at a hotel where a press conference was disrupted by hundreds of youths.
In a scathing attack on security agencies, Orengo accused elements within the National Police Service of complicity, alleging they were aware of, or involved in, the activities of organised gangs used to intimidate political opponents.
“We have seen the police around and I want to say without fear of contradiction, the police know what is happening,” he claimed.
He warned that rising incidents of organised violence risked turning Kisumu into a gangster city, undermining its legacy as a centre of political freedom and democratic expression.
Orengo also cautioned against attempts to fuel ethnic divisions between communities, saying the region had historically enjoyed strong political and social ties.
These actions are trying to create hostility that has never existed. It is dangerous and must stop,” he said.
Vihiga County Assembly Majority Whip Pauline Amwata also condemned the attack, terming it an assault on democracy and freedom of expression, and warned against the use of violence to settle political differences.
The whip called for immediate investigations and prosecution of those behind the attack, saying leaders must be allowed to engage freely with citizens regardless of their political positions.
Separately, Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili termed the incident cowardly, criminal and utterly unacceptable, warning that such acts threaten the county’s reputation for tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
In a statement, Dr. Owili said the attack was not only directed at an individual leader but also undermined democratic values.
“Such brazen violence has no place in our society and stands in direct affront to the rule of law, public order, and the democratic values we hold dear,” he said.
He urged the National Police Service and other security agencies to act swiftly to identify and apprehend those responsible, stressing that there should be no room for impunity.
“Divergence of views is not a justification for lawlessness. It is a cornerstone of democratic engagement and must be accommodated with tolerance and respect at all times,” Dr. Owili added.
The deputy governor reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to maintaining peace and order, warning that Kisumu would not tolerate political violence or intimidation.
By Chris Mahandara
