Political analyst Herman Manyora has argued that the recent attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, which left him with injuries on his face, has increased his chances in the county gubernatorial race.

While speaking during an interview on his YouTube channel aired on Friday, April 11, 2026, the outspoken analyst noted that, although unfortunate, the incident has worked to the benefit of the former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deputy party leader, who recently announced his bid for Vihiga governor.

Manyora continued to argue that anybody intending to run against Osotsi in 2027 has their fate sealed, as all votes, according to him, will be scooped by the Vihiga senator.

He added that running against Osotsi would be a waste of time and that nobody can defeat him in the upcoming 2027 election. Manyora has also projected that Osotsi might get over 80 per cent of the votes in Vihiga.

Manyora further added that even his ouster from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deputy party leader position during the Special Delegates Conference (SDC) held at Jamhuri Grounds also boosted his chances.

Since, according to him, it was viewed as an attack on his community, making them more endeared to him and ready to give him votes for any seat.

“However Unfortunate the incident was, it has increased chances of Osotsi becoming the Vihiga governor. Anybody wanting to run against him is a waste of time and money; he will win by over 80 cent of the votes.”

Vihiga gubernatorial race

The Vihiga gubernatorial seat has so far attracted two contestants, including Vihiga Woman Representative Beatrice Adagala of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSA) chairman Kahi Indimuli, who also announced that he will be using a UDA ticket in his quest for the Vihiga gubernatorial seat.

Manyora has urged his opponents to instead opt for the senatorial seat that will be left vacant by Osotsi rather than run against him for the gubernatorial race.

Osotsi, who is currently recuperating at Karen Hospital after his ouster from the deputy party leader position—a move he refused to petition—declared that he will not go to court but will instead become the deputy party leader of the Linda Mwananchi

Osotsi’s political moves

Following this, Osotsi has now launched his gubernatorial bid for Vihiga County and has embarked on a countywide campaign sensitising young people to register as voters. Trucks branded with “Niko Kadi” artworks bearing his name and image have been moving around the county with the aim of popularising his candidature.

The first-term senator has also been a popular face alongside his Nairobi counterpart Edwin Sifuna, moving around the country popularising their Linda Mwananchi movement campaigns.

Despite being injured and hospitalised at Karen Hospital, Osotsi has also vowed that he will attend the Linda Mwananchi tour set to take place in Nakuru town.