What You Need to Know
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested three suspects connected to the attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi in Kisumu. The suspects, aged 24, 27, and 39, were apprehended following the senator’s assault at a Java House in West End Mall. DCI is pursuing additional suspects and has thanked the public for their cooperation in the ongoing investigation.
Africa-Press – Kenya. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested three suspects in connection with the attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi in Kisumu on Wednesday, April 8.
In a statement on Thursday, April 9, DCI announced the arrest, saying that the three suspects all come from the Nyalenda and Manyatta areas of Kisumu County.
They are accused of perpetrating the attack on Senator Osotsi at a Java House in the West End Mall, in Kisumu, on Wednesday, April 8.
“Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kisumu County have arrested three suspects in connection with the attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi at Java House, West End Mall,” the DCI stated.
According to the DCI, the three are aged 24, 39 and 27 years old.
At the same time, the detectives announced that other suspects linked to the attack on the senator are being pursued, with the DCI confirming an intensified investigation into the matter.
“DCI thanks members of the public who have volunteered useful information to aid the ongoing investigations and urges continued cooperation as detectives work to bring all perpetrators to justice.”
The arrest followed statements by political leaders aligned to Senator Osotsi, who blamed police for their inaction in ensuring the goons are brought to book.
Osotsi was attacked on Wednesday, April 8, by a group of youths while at the mall. According to CCTV footage, the senator can be seen pinned to the floor with multiple attackers closing in on him from every side before trying to escape. He was then airlifted to Nairobi for medication.
Earlier on Thursday, before the suspects were arrested, opposition leaders called on the Interior Principal Secretary, Raymond Omollo, to resign, giving him an ultimatum of 24 hours or face private prosecution. The leaders are accusing the PS of organising goons who attacked the senator.
“Raymond Omollo should immediately resign. We demand that he resign immediately, and we are giving him up to tomorrow. Raymond Omollo’s name is plainly placed before Kenyans, and these are his goons,” said Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
ODM party leaders also condemned the attack, describing it as archaic, barbaric, and a backward step, particularly in a country that upholds peace and democratic values.
“The ODM party wishes to condemn in the strongest terms possible the attack and the eventual assault on Senator Godfrey Osostsi by armed goons in broad daylight at a Kisumu restaurant. This is clearly a criminal act,” ODM stated through its acting Secretary General, Catherine Omondi.
Political violence in Kenya has a long history, often linked to electoral tensions and rivalries. The attack on Senator Osotsi reflects ongoing issues of political intimidation and the safety of public figures in the country. Such incidents have raised concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement and the need for accountability among political leaders. Recent calls for resignations from officials highlight the public’s demand for justice and security in political discourse. The DCI’s swift action in arresting suspects indicates a response to public outcry and a commitment to addressing political violence.
