Three suspects linked to Senator Osotsi attack in Kisumu arrested

Detectives in Kisumu have arrested three suspects alleged to be behind the attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi at a restaurant in Kisumu on Wednesday.

The three suspects are Carlos Owiti alias Kalonje (24) and Vincent Odhiambo alias Tinga (27), both from Nyalenda, and Eric Otieno alias Dude (39) from Manyatta.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the trio was nabbed following intelligence operations and a tip-off from the public.

“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 multi-agency body vowed heightened investigations into the incident to ensure additional suspects linked to the incident are brought to book.

They are currently in police custody, being processed pending their arraignment.

Senator Osotsi, who is nursing injuries following the assault by people his team described as armed goons on Wednesday, was airlifted to Nairobi for further treatment, as DCI launched a probe into the attack.

Early efforts focused on forensic analysis of CCTV footage obtained from the scene, which authorities believe could provide key insights into the circumstances surrounding the attack.

On Wednesday, the DCI condemned the brazen attack, wishing the Senator a quick recovery and extending its sympathies to his family and the people of Vihiga County.

The agency also called on members of the public to remain calm and avoid speculation as investigations continue.

According to Derick Luvega, Director of Communication at the Vihiga Senate Office, Osotsi had made a routine visit to the Acacia area to get a haircut before proceeding to Java restaurant, where he met a friend and also interacted with members of the public.

Shortly after, a group of gun-wielding individuals is said to have confronted him, questioning him over his political allegiance.

Owing to his support for the 'one-term' movement as an affiliate of the Linda Mwananchi faction, the goons reportedly assaulted the Senator.

Luvega indicated that Osotsi's security detail exercised restraint to avoid discharging firearms in public and hurting innocent lives in the process.

Senator Osotsi has since described the attack as an assassination attempt.

Speaking from his hospital bed, he described the incident as a politically instigated attack, accusing senior security officials of orchestrating the assault that left him injured.