Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi was attacked by a group of gun-wielding individuals at a restaurant in the West End Mall, Kisumu. Following the assault, the Senator was airlifted to Nairobi for specialized medical treatment. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and sparked swift action from law enforcement.

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kisumu have made significant progress, arresting three suspects linked to the attack. Carlos Owiti alias Kalonje (24) from Nyalenda, Eric Otieno alias Dude (39) from Manyatta, and Vincent Odhiambo alias Tinga (27) from Nyalenda, are currently in police custody and are being processed for arraignment. DCI has intensified investigations, actively pursuing additional suspects believed to be connected to the incident. DCI boss Mohamed Amin thanked members of the public for their crucial information and urged continued cooperation to ensure all those responsible are brought to justice.

The attack has been met with strong condemnation from various political leaders and communities. United Opposition leaders, including Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Caleb Hamisi, Boni Khalwale, Raphael Tuju, Daniel Maanzo, and Senator Eddy Oketch, visited Senator Osotsi at Karen Hospital. Musyoka claimed the attack appeared politically motivated and cautioned against attempts to inflame ethnic tensions between the Luo and Luhya communities, emphasizing the need for political tolerance. He also called on Senators Dan Maanzo and Boni Khalwale to push for special sittings in both the Senate and National Assembly to discuss the matter.

Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo criticized the Inspector General of Police and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations for failing to curb rising criminal activity. He demanded immediate arrests and prosecutions, warning those involved that they risk charges of murder or manslaughter if violence escalates. Saboti MP Caleb Hamisi highlighted the increasing frequency of such attacks, suggesting the existence of a 'command centre' for goons and calling on President William Ruto to intervene, asserting that democracy was under threat. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and ODM acting Secretary-General Catherine Omanyo also called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of both the planners and perpetrators of the attack.

In Vihiga County, residents expressed their fury through protests in Luanda and Mbale towns, demanding swift justice. Demonstrators lit bonfires along major roads, causing prolonged traffic snarl-ups. Supporters urged the National Police Service to review CCTV footage from the restaurant to identify and apprehend the attackers. The Vihiga Muslim community, led by Chief Imam Ahmed Lijodi, described the incident as 'barbaric and cowardly' and called on security agencies to act with speed. Mwibona MCA Zakayo Manyasa alleged that the attackers were hired by powerful individuals, while Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo and Sabatia MP Clement Sloya urged thorough investigations and accountability.

The attack is widely believed to be linked to Senator Osotsi’s recent political stance within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), particularly his association with the ‘one-term’ movement under the Linda Mwananchi faction. This faction, comprising Osotsi, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Siaya Governor James Orengo, has been holding parallel meetings and openly opposing President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027. The incident occurred just weeks after Osotsi’s ouster as ODM Deputy Party Leader during a disputed National Delegates Convention, further exposing deep divisions within the party.

The United Opposition leaders have warned of private prosecution against Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo if those responsible for the attack are not arrested. Senator Osotsi's team reported that his security detail exercised restraint during the incident to avoid endangering civilians. Following the visit, Senator Osotsi was reported to be in stable condition at Karen Hospital.