CCTV captures brutal attack on Senator Osotsi in Kisumu eatery
CCTV footage has revealed the moment Godfrey Osotsi, the Vihiga Senator, was violently attacked at a Java House outlet in Kisumu, in an incident that has sparked widespread political condemnation.
The surveillance video, captured at the restaurant located within Western Mall in Kisumu, shows two men launching a sustained assault on the legislator inside the premises.
One attacker, dressed in a cap, black T-shirt and trousers, is seen striking the senator as he lies on the ground, visibly bleeding.
A second assailant, wearing a white hoodie and cargo pants, joins in, kicking him repeatedly as he attempts to crawl to safety.
A staff member briefly tries to intervene but is warned off by the attackers. The assault continues until restaurant staff manage to step in and stop the attackers.
Leaders across the political divide have strongly condemned the attack, describing it as deliberate and dangerous.
James Orengo, the Siaya Governor, termed the incident a “calculated and deliberate act,” dismissing claims that it was random.
He linked the assault to what he described as a broader pattern of intimidation targeting certain political voices.
“This is a clearly coordinated and organized pattern aimed at silencing the voices of the people,” Orengo said, adding that it followed another violent incident at the Grand Royal Swiss Hotel ahead of a Kakamega rally.
The Kisumu County government also condemned the attack, describing it as “cowardly, criminal, and utterly unacceptable.”
In a statement issued on behalf of Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Deputy Governor Mathew Owili said the incident undermines the rule of law and democratic values.
“Kisumu is, and shall remain, a bastion of order, dignity, and respect for human rights,” the statement read, as the county called on security agencies to swiftly investigate and bring those responsible to justice.
Junet Mohamed also condemned the assault, urging authorities to arrest both the perpetrators and those behind the attack, stressing that political differences should never lead to violence.
Orengo further warned against attempts to exploit ethnic divisions, particularly between the Luo and Luhya communities, describing the incident as a failed attempt to incite unrest.
“We demand that the police immediately produce the CCTV footage and ensure the culprits are brought to book without delay,” he said, adding that such acts would not deter the Linda Mwananchi movement.
The attack has heightened concerns over political intolerance and security, with calls mounting for swift action by law enforcement agencies to prevent further escalation.
According to reports, the senator had made a routine visit to the Acacia area for personal grooming before heading to the restaurant, where he met a friend and interacted with members of the public for about 30 minutes.
It was during this time that a group of assailants confronted him, reportedly questioning his political stance before turning violent.
The attackers are said to have challenged his support for a one-term political position.
Despite the escalation, his security team did not discharge their firearms, citing the risk to civilians in the busy public setting.
He was later rushed to a local hospital and subsequently flown to Nairobi for further treatment.
