NAIROBI, Kenya — Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has demanded the resignation and arrest of Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, accusing him of orchestrating a violent attack against him in Kisumu.
Speaking during a press briefing, Osotsi said he was assaulted by a group of youths while on a private visit to the lakeside city during the parliamentary recess. He described the incident as a targeted attack linked to political tensions.
According to the senator, he had gone about his normal schedule, including a visit to a barbershop and a planned meeting with a local football official, before stopping at a café where he was confronted by between 15 and 20 young men.
“They started hitting me while questioning why I support the one-term slogan,” Osotsi said, adding that he was overwhelmed and lost consciousness during the assault.
He claimed the attackers continued beating him after he fell, leaving him with serious injuries, including a swollen face, a paralysed hand, and a knee injury. The legislator said his security team intervened after hearing the commotion, prompting the assailants to flee.
“My security responded and that is when they fled. I was then evacuated,” he said, adding that one of the attackers allegedly attempted to draw a firearm before retreating.
Osotsi said he escaped through a back exit and was rushed to Aga Khan Hospital Kisumu for treatment. He further alleged that individuals linked to the attack followed him to the hospital, raising concerns about his safety.
The senator accused Omollo of being directly responsible, claiming he had evidence that he was under surveillance before the incident. “People were used to monitor me and share my location. This was not random,” he said.
Osotsi also questioned how details of the attack circulated quickly on social media, alleging involvement of state-backed bloggers before his team issued any official communication.
He linked the incident to heightened political tensions and warned against attempts to inflame ethnic divisions. “Why must I be attacked in Kisumu? They wanted to create the impression that communities are at war,” he said.
The senator, affiliated with the Linda Mwananchi faction, said he would not be intimidated and called for accountability. “Raymond Omollo must resign and be arrested. If this does not happen, we will take the next course of action,” he said.
The remarks came hours after Omollo warned leaders against fuelling political violence, saying criminal gangs and political goonism would not be tolerated. Speaking in Turkana, the PS said individuals involved in such acts would be held accountable in accordance with the law.
