Leaders across the country have condemned the violent attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, describing it as a dangerous escalation of political violence.
The political fraternity, led by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, called for stronger measures to protect public figures, warning that such acts threaten the democratic space and could undermine public confidence in peaceful political engagement.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga condemned the attack, describing it as criminal and unacceptable in a democratic society.
“ODM is not a party of intimidation, coercion, or political violence. Our movement is founded on the principles of social democracy, pluralism, and constitutionalism. The ODM Party Constitution explicitly commits us to the protection of human rights and the eradication of tribalism, sectionalism, harassment and oppression. It further mandates the party to defend the freedom of expression and the human dignity of every Kenyan,” Wanga wrote.
She stressed that these principles are the foundation upon which the party was built.
“These are not abstract ideals but are the very values upon which ODM was built through years of struggle. Our party has consistently stood for an open society where citizens and leaders alike are free to speak, organise, and differ without fear. Kenya’s Constitution equally protects the right of every citizen to make political choices. Any attack on a leader because of his views or associations is an attack on the very democratic space Kenyans fought so hard to win. Violence is never an acceptable response to political contestation,” reads the statement.
She called on the National Police Service (NPS) to act swiftly and decisively to identify, arrest and prosecute “all those responsible for this cowardly act.”
“Political violence must never be normalised or rewarded,” Wanga added.
She further cautioned against blaming the people of Kisumu for the attack, noting that “criminal acts are committed by individuals and should be treated as such; they must not become a pretext for profiling an entire city or community.”
The attack left Senator Osotsi injured in Kisumu on Wednesday, and he was airlifted to Nairobi for treatment. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna confirmed the incident on his X account.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also condemned the attack, emphasising that acts of political violence, intimidation and lawlessness, regardless of who is targeted, have no place in a democracy.
“They are simply archaic. Kenya is a Constitutional Democracy governed by the rule of law. Every leader and every citizen has the right to move freely, assemble peacefully, and express their views without fear. These rights are guaranteed by our constitution,” he said.
He noted that the disturbing events reported in Kisumu are not isolated. He highlighted that in recent weeks, various leaders who are opposed to the government have been attacked and intimidated.
Gachagua emphasised that such actions are intended to intimidate and silence political opposition. “This is an assault on democracy and an act of cowardice. While these claims remain matters for investigation, they point to a worrying trend of rising political intolerance that must be addressed decisively.”
He called upon the NPS to immediately launch a comprehensive investigation into the attack on Senator Otsotsi and other related incidents in Kisumu and its environs.
“To our political opponents, politics is a game of persuasion. If indeed you have delivered on the agenda you promised the Kenyan people, why would you be intimidated by those who have a contrary opinion? No Kenyan should feel excluded or targeted in their own country. Let us reject violence. Let us protect our democracy as enshrined in the constitution of 2010,” he said.
“Senator Otsotsi, do not be cowed. I wish you a quick recovery and insist that the attackers must be apprehended and have their day in court, for justice must not only be done but seen to be done.”
DAP-K Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa said he had seen the senator after the attack. Wamalwa noted that he is stable and receiving the necessary medical attention, though in great pain.
“We must not allow this kind of intolerance to undermine the enjoyment of the fundamental rights and freedoms of speech, expression, movement and association that some of our heroes like Raila Odinga fought for and believed in the words of Voltaire that I may not agree with what you say and may even disagree with what you say, but I will defend unto death your right to say it! Let the culprits be brought to book,” he said.
Siaya Senator James Orengo described the attack as coordinated. “The early morning ambush on Linda Mwananchi, Principal and Senator Godfrey Osotsi in Kisumu was not random. It was a coordinated act of intimidation. These divide-and-rule tactics will fail. You cannot stop a movement whose time has come.”
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi condemned the attack, emphasising that acts of violence are unacceptable and those responsible must be brought to justice.
“Kenya is a democratic nation where everyone enjoys the freedom to express themselves and participate in politics without fear or intimidation. Such acts of violence are unacceptable, and those responsible must be brought to justice. Kenya needs a renaissance,” he said.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris also denounced the attack, stating that political differences must never be resolved through intimidation, violence or threats.
“No leader, regardless of their position or political stance, should be subjected to physical harm for expressing views. Such actions undermine the rule of law, erode public confidence, and set a dangerous precedent for political engagement in our country,” she said.
She commended the restraint exercised by the Senator’s security team in a public space, prioritising the safety of innocent civilians. However, Passaris reiterated that perpetrators must be identified and held accountable.
“Violence has no place in our politics. Kenya must remain a country where leaders can move freely, engage citizens openly and express their positions without fear. I call upon the National Police Service to urgently investigate the incident, review available CCTV footage, and bring those responsible to justice. We must protect democracy. We must protect each other,” she said.
Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang siad, “This is painful, and it’s simply unacceptable. No one should ever be subjected to violence for serving the people. My thoughts and prayers are with him as he recovers. I’m wishing him strength and a full, speedy recovery.”
Nominated Senator Crystal Asige echoed similar sentiments, noting that no one should ever be subjected to violence for serving the people.
“My thoughts and prayers are with him as he recovers. I’m wishing him strength and a full, speedy recovery. As leaders and as a nation, we must stand together and firmly reject political violence in all its forms,” she said.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei condemned the attack, terming it ‘cowardice’ “I urge the investigative agencies to move in with speed and arrest and prosecute these perpetrators who are callous and criminals. This country is governed by the rule of law and order; these are principles we must live by,” he said.
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