Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kisumu County have taken into custody three individuals linked to the violent assault on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi on Wednesday, April 6, 2026. The detained suspects, identified as Carlos Owiti alias Kalonje (24) from Nyalenda, Eric Otieno alias Dude (39) from Manyatta, and Vincent Odhiambo alias Tinga (27) from Nyalenda, are now in police custody awaiting court proceedings.
According to a DCI statement issued on Thursday (April 9, 2026), investigations have been intensified, with detectives actively searching for additional individuals connected to the incident. The DCI has thanked members of the public for providing valuable information and requested continued cooperation as efforts persist to bring all those responsible to justice.
The violent incident occurred on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Java House, West End Mall in Kisumu. Senator Osotsi, who is aligned with the Linda Mwananchi faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), had visited the mall for a shave before proceeding to the restaurant.
While conversing with a friend and members of the public, a group of armed individuals suddenly entered the venue. CCTV footage from the incident location shows the attackers confronting the senator before administering a brutal beating. Osotsi sustained injuries and initially received treatment at a local hospital before being transported by air to Nairobi for further medical attention.
The motive behind the attack has not been officially established, though some political leaders have suggested possible political connections given the senator’s prominent position and recent activities.
Earlier on Thursday, united opposition leaders urged police to take immediate action against the perpetrators, condemning what they termed ‘political hooliganism.’ Siaya Governor James Orengo visited Kisumu Central Police Station to demand explanations regarding the attack.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna also criticized the police for not taking swift action against the attackers despite their identification by members of the public.