Kisumu Women Rep Ruth Odinga has condemned what she described as a “barbaric” attack on Godfrey Osotsi, who was assaulted by armed goons at West End Mall in Kisumu on Thursday morning.
In a strongly worded statement, Odinga said the attack—carried out in broad daylight—was a serious violation of fundamental rights and pointed to a worrying breakdown in security.
“Senator Osotsi was simply going about his private business—seeking a haircut and a cup of coffee—when he was descended upon by armed goons with crude weapons,” she said.
Osotsi was reportedly injured in the incident, admitted to the intensive care unit and later airlifted to Nairobi for further treatment, raising alarm over the safety of political leaders and ordinary citizens alike.
“That a national leader can be attacked in broad daylight at a high-traffic business premise… is chilling, to say the least. It points to a deteriorating security situation that we must not ignore,” Odinga said.
She criticised what she termed the continued operation of armed gangs despite constitutional provisions outlawing militia groups, questioning the apparent inaction of security personnel present at the scene.
Odinga further warned that the attack was not isolated, recalling a previous incident in which Osotsi and other leaders from the Orange Democratic Movement were targeted at a Kisumu hotel, with investigations yet to yield results.
“This recurring trend of political goonism is a cancer that will eat away at our democracy if left unchecked,” she said.
Her remarks come amid rising political tensions ahead of an anticipated election cycle, with Odinga cautioning against the use of violence to enforce political dominance.
“Whether one belongs to ODM, UDA, or any other formation, they must be free to walk the streets without fear. Political differences must be settled at the ballot box—not through violence,” she said.
She urged the National Police Service to act swiftly, noting that the mall is equipped with CCTV surveillance that should aid investigations.
“There is no excuse for the perpetrators not to be identified, hunted down, and brought to book immediately. We are watching to see if justice will be served,” she said.
Odinga also expressed frustration with past cases where investigations stalled without accountability, warning that public patience was wearing thin.
She wished Osotsi a quick recovery, adding that her thoughts were with his family during the difficult period.
The attack has sparked renewed debate over political intolerance and security lapses in Kisumu, a city long regarded as a stronghold of democratic expression.
