Aaron Cheruiyot calls for swift prosecution of Osotsi attackers
By Faith Lagat, April 10, 2026Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has called for fast and decisive legal action against the assailants who attacked Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi in Kisumu, saying those captured on CCTV should be prosecuted without delay.
In a statement posted on X on April 9, 2026, Cheruiyot said the attackers should face firm consequences to discourage political violence.
“Since the goons who attacked Sen Osotsi were captured on camera, the judicial process of charging and determining their fate shouldn’t be unnecessarily long. Such characters ought to be made an example of. Their ilk must know that violence has no place in our politics,” he stated.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Java House restaurant at West End Mall in Kisumu. Senator Osotsi had visited the Acacia area for a haircut before meeting a friend at the restaurant when he was confronted by a group of armed, hooded men.
Osotsi attack in Kisumu
According to reports, the assailants questioned his political stance, accusing him of supporting the ‘one-term’ movement and aligning with the Linda Mwananchi faction before assaulting him.
His security detail reportedly exercised restraint in the crowded area to avoid escalation that could have endangered civilians. Osotsi sustained injuries and was later airlifted to Nairobi for treatment at Karen Hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that three persons of interest linked to the attack were arrested in Kisumu and are being processed for arraignment. Investigators said CCTV footage played a key role in identifying the suspects and called for continued public cooperation to trace additional individuals involved.
Political reactions and protests
The attack has drawn condemnation from political leaders and institutions. Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i visited Osotsi at Karen Hospital alongside former ICT CS Joe Mucheru and activist Wafula Buke, condemning the violence and calling for swift justice.
ODM leader Oburu Odinga also condemned the incident, describing it as a “cowardly act” and calling for a thorough and impartial investigation. He said political differences should not be settled through intimidation or physical confrontation.
The assault triggered protests in Vihiga County, where residents barricaded sections of major roads including the Kisumu–Siaya–Busia highway and the Kisumu–Kakamega road. Demonstrators lit bonfires and demanded the arrest and prosecution of those involved.
Vihiga County officials and religious leaders also condemned the attack, calling for tolerance and respect for constitutional rights. Luanda OCPD Richard Siele confirmed police deployment to restore order and urged residents to remain calm as investigations continued.