Shock as Senior ODM Politician ‘Viciously Assaulted’ During Routine Visit — Emergency Airlift Ordered
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi is set to be airlifted to Nairobi for urgent medical treatment after suffering serious injuries in an attack in Kisumu, according to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
The incident, which has sent shockwaves through political circles, reportedly occurred while the former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deputy party leader was at a barber shop in the city.
Senator Sifuna, who was among the first leaders to confirm the incident, said he had spoken directly to Osotsi’s team and verified the reports of a violent assault.
“I have spoken to Senator Osotsi’s team and confirmed that he was viciously attacked and injured in Kisumu earlier today when he went to get a haircut,” Sifuna stated.
He added that the severity of the injuries necessitated immediate evacuation by air, as the Senator could not travel by road back to Nairobi.
“The Senator is being airlifted to Nairobi as we speak. Whilst we wait for further details, I strongly condemn this attack and ask the police for immediate action on those responsible,” he said.
Attack during routine visit
In a separate statement, the Vihiga Senator’s office provided further context, indicating that Osotsi had been on a routine personal visit to the Acacia area in Kisumu before the attack.
According to the statement, the Senator had first gone for grooming before proceeding to a nearby restaurant, where he interacted freely with members of the public.
“The Senator had made a routine visit to the Acacia area for personal grooming before proceeding to Java Restaurant, where he met a friend and interacted cordially with members of the public for approximately thirty minutes,” the office said.
However, events took a dramatic turn shortly afterwards.
“It was during this time that a group of gun-wielding individuals confronted him, questioned his political stance and subsequently subjected him to physical manhandling,” the statement added.
Political tensions under scrutiny
The attack comes amid heightened political tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement, where Osotsi has recently aligned himself with a dissenting faction.
The Senator is part of the so-called “Linda Mwananchi” movement, a group led by Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, which has been openly critical of sections of ODM perceived to be working closely with President William Ruto and the ruling United Democratic Alliance.
Since the emergence of the faction, its leaders have repeatedly claimed they have faced hostility and disruptions during public rallies across the country.
Sifuna, in his latest remarks, called on law enforcement agencies to act decisively, warning against any form of politically motivated violence.
“I strongly condemn this attack and ask the police for immediate action on those responsible,” he reiterated.
Authorities are yet to issue a detailed statement on the incident, and the condition of Senator Osotsi remains unclear as he is transferred to Nairobi for specialised care.
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Shock as Senior ODM Politician ‘Viciously Assaulted’ During Routine Visit — Emergency Airlift Ordered