Detectives in Kisumu have arrested three suspects believed to be behind the recent attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi at a restaurant in the city on Wednesday. The arrests come as investigations into the incident continue to gather pace.
The three suspects have been identified as Carlos Owiti alias Kalonje, aged 24, and Vincent Odhiambo alias Tinga, aged 27, both from Nyalenda, as well as Eric Otieno alias Dude, aged 39, from Manyatta. Authorities say the arrests were made following intelligence-led operations supported by information shared by members of the public.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the breakthrough was made after a tip-off that helped detectives track down the suspects.
“The 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 State agency said in a statement.
The agency noted that investigations are still ongoing and warned that more arrests could follow as efforts intensify to identify and apprehend all those linked to the attack. The suspects are currently in police custody and are being processed ahead of their arraignment in court.
Senator Osotsi, who sustained injuries during the incident, was airlifted to Nairobi for further treatment. Detectives have since launched a detailed probe, with early efforts focusing on forensic analysis of CCTV footage from the scene. Investigators believe the footage could provide crucial details about how the attack unfolded.
The DCI condemned the incident, terming it a serious act of violence, and wished the Senator a quick recovery while extending sympathies to his family and the people of Vihiga County. The agency also appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid speculation as investigations continue.
According to Derick Luvega, Director of Communication at the Vihiga Senate Office, the Senator had made a routine visit to the Acacia area where he first got a haircut before heading to a nearby restaurant. While there, he reportedly met a friend and interacted with members of the public.
It was during this time that a group of armed individuals approached him and questioned him over his political allegiance. Reports indicate that the attackers linked their actions to his support for the ‘one-term’ movement under the Linda Mwananchi faction before assaulting him.
Luvega added that the Senator’s security team showed restraint and avoided using firearms in a public space to prevent harm to innocent people nearby.
Senator Osotsi has since described the incident as an assassination attempt. Speaking from his hospital bed, he termed it a politically instigated attack and accused senior security officials of being behind the assault that left him injured.
