IG Kanja assures safety in Linda Mwananchi Kisumu rally

Speaking before the Senate Defence Committee on Vhiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi's attack, IG Kanja said that the police force is cracking down on the rising cases of goon attacks and has rounded up their secret operations.

Condemning the attack on Osotsi, the police IG asserted that all those involved in the attack shall face the full force of the law.

"What happened to Osotsi is unfortunate I want to assure him and the people of Kenya that everybody who committed an offense there will have their time to answer before a court of law," he said.

"The issue of goons is going to stop. We have investigated and seen where they come from, who funds them and who their grassroots organisers are. We are serious on that."

He maintained that security forces will ensure that the planned political function in Kisumu, which is part of the faction's nationwide tour, will remain protected.

"The meeting will be fully secured, but I equally request the organisers to follow the law so that they also show responsibility to ensure there is peace. Those who want to attend will attend," he said.

The team, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino and others, have been touring the nation, rallying citizens to advocate for astute governance as the 2027 General Election approaches.

They have lamented the deployment of goons against their members, calling for an expeditious action against the rowdy groups allegedly being weaponised by politicians.

Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has claimed that 13 or 14 of the suspects who attacked Osotsi escaped from Kenya soon after the incident.

He told the National Assembly that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is now working with foreign agencies to trace and arrest them, as three suspects are being held in custody.

The remarks came as three suspects arrested over the April 8 incident appeared in court and denied charges.

Eric Otieno alias ‘Dube’, Vincent Odhiambo alias ‘Tinga’ and Carlos Owiti alias ‘Kalonje’ were arraigned before Kisumu Resident Magistrate Daniel Chumba on April 17  and pleaded not guilty to two counts of robbery with violence and stealing.