Ruth Odinga Finally Speaks After Osotsi Was Attacked By Goons In Kusumu

Kisumu, Kenya — Ruth Odinga has strongly condemned the violent attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, describing the incident as a grave violation of human rights and a worrying sign of rising insecurity in the country.

In a detailed statement shared on her Facebook page, Odinga expressed shock and sadness over the incident, which occurred at West End Mall.

According to reports and a widely circulated video, the senator was ambushed by armed individuals while going about his private errands. The footage shows Osotsi pleading with his attackers, who reportedly ignored his cries and continued the assault.

Osotsi, a former deputy party leader of the Orange Democratic Movement, sustained serious injuries and was initially admitted to the Intensive Care Unit before being airlifted to Nairobi for specialized treatment.

Odinga termed the attack “barbaric” and “unwarranted,” noting that such acts undermine the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

“Senator Osotsi was simply going about his private business when he was descended upon by armed goons with crude weapons,” she stated, questioning how such groups continue to operate openly despite laws outlawing militia activity.

She warned that the attack points to a deteriorating security situation, particularly in Kisumu, a city she described as a bastion of democracy and peace.

Odinga further raised concerns over what she termed as a growing trend of “political goonism,” recalling a previous incident where Osotsi and other ODM leaders were targeted, with little progress reported on investigations.

The Kisumu leader emphasized that no Kenyan, regardless of political affiliation, should live in fear. “An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us,” she said, urging leaders and citizens alike to reject violence and uphold democratic values.

Odinga also called on the National Police Service to act swiftly, citing the presence of CCTV cameras at the mall as crucial evidence that should lead to the immediate identification and arrest of the perpetrators.

As investigations continue, Odinga wished the senator a quick recovery, while warning that failure to deliver justice could further erode public trust in law enforcement agencies.