Three suspects arrested over the violent attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi pleaded not guilty to two counts before a Kisumu court.
Eric Otieno, alias ‘Dube’, Vincent Odhiambo, alias ‘Tinga’, and Carlos Owiti, alias ‘Kalonje’, were arraigned before Resident Magistrate Daniel Chumba on Friday, where they denied charges of robbery with violence and stealing, contrary to the Penal Code.
According to the prosecution, the accused, alongside accomplices still at large, allegedly attacked the senator and robbed him of valuables during an incident at an eatery in Kisumu on April 8, 2026.
Defence lawyer Ken Omollo urged the court to grant the suspects bail, arguing they had cooperated with investigators. However, the prosecution opposed the application, citing ongoing efforts to apprehend other suspects linked to the attack.
The court granted each of the accused a bond of Sh1 million, with the case set for mention on May 6, 2026.
Osotsi Tuesday recorded a formal statement with police at Parliament in connection with the attack in Kisumu, in which he was assaulted by a group of suspected goons.
The statement was taken by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) as investigations into the incident continue.
Siaya Governor James Orengo described the attack as part of a growing and worrying trend of political violence as the country edges closer to the 2027 General Election.
He said there was sufficient evidence indicating that those who “planned and executed” the attack were still at large and had not yet been summoned for questioning.
Orengo further claimed that the alleged ringleader had not been arrested or called in by investigators, and questioned why senior officials, including Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, had not recorded statements despite what he said was emerging evidence linking them to the incident.
He warned that if police and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) fail to act, they would consider pursuing private prosecution against those believed to be behind the attack.
Orengo also urged law enforcement agencies to act without fear or favour, and questioned the lack of public condemnation from President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna thanked Kisumu residents for what he termed as assisting in identifying suspects linked to the incident, saying investigators had already confirmed the identities of several individuals, some of whom are reportedly on the run.
Sifuna further alleged that some of those involved may be outside the country and called for their arrest alongside alleged masterminds.
He expressed concern over what he termed as possible involvement of individuals within law enforcement, adding that it would be unacceptable if officers mandated to protect the public were implicated in orchestrating violence.
The leaders, who have vowed to continue pushing for accountability, announced plans to hold public engagements in Kisumu on April 26 to thank residents for assisting in identifying suspects.
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