A political row has erupted between Godfrey Osotsi and Tom Ojienda following a violent attack in Kisumu that has sent shockwaves through the region.
The confrontation unfolded on Wednesday night, April 29, 2026, when the two lawmakers appeared in a tense joint media interview to address the incident, which saw Senator Osotsi assaulted at a local coffee house in Kisumu.
During the exchange, Senator Osotsi made explosive allegations, claiming that individuals captured on CCTV footage during the attack were not unknown criminals but rather politically connected actors within Kisumu’s power circles.
“These are not just random goons,” Osotsi said. “They are shared goons—people who are well known in this region and, in some cases, have links to leaders.”
In a moment that escalated tensions further, the Vihiga senator alleged that Prof. Ojienda had privately acknowledged familiarity with some of the suspects. “He has already admitted to me that some of these individuals are known to him,” Osotsi claimed, without providing additional details during the interview.
Prof. Ojienda, however, pushed back against the accusations, rejecting any suggestion of involvement or association with criminal elements. While he acknowledged the seriousness of the attack, he cautioned against what he described as “reckless political blame games” that could inflame tensions in the region.
“This is a criminal matter that should be handled by investigative agencies, not trial by media,” Ojienda said. “We must allow due process to take its course.”
The incident has raised fresh concerns about rising political intolerance and the alleged use of organised groups to intimidate opponents, particularly in politically sensitive regions.
Authorities have yet to issue a comprehensive update on the progress of investigations into the assault, though pressure is mounting on law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The clash between the two senators underscores deepening political rivalries in the region, with analysts warning that such public confrontations risk further polarising supporters ahead of key political milestones.
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