Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i on Thursday evening visited Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi at Karen Hospital in Nairobi, where the legislator is recovering after a violent attack in Kisumu.

Matiang’i was accompanied by former ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru and activist Wafula Buke.

In a statement shared on X on April 9, 2026, the former Interior CS condemned the incident and called for swift action against those responsible.

“This evening, accompanied by my former colleague, ICT Minister @mucheru, and @CdeWafulaBuke, I visited Senator Godfrey Osotsi at Karen Hospital following the unfortunate attack on him in Kisumu,” Matiang’i stated.

“Violence has no place in our society, and no political or personal differences should ever be resolved through violence. I wish the Senator a swift and full recovery and urge the relevant authorities to move swiftly to bring those responsible to justice.”

The Vihiga senator was attacked on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Java House at West End Mall in Kisumu.

Attack at Kisumu restaurant

According to the Vihiga Senate Office, Osotsi had visited the Acacia area for a haircut before heading to the restaurant to meet a friend. While there, a group of hooded men reportedly confronted him and questioned his political allegiance.

The assailants allegedly accused the senator of supporting the ‘one-term’ movement and associating with the Linda Mwananchi faction before assaulting him.

His security team is said to have exercised restraint to avoid escalating the situation and endangering members of the public at the busy restaurant. Following the attack, Osotsi was airlifted to Nairobi for specialised treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.

The incident drew condemnation from several leaders. Edwin Sifuna, leader of the Linda Mwananchi team, said locals had identified some of the attackers and called for their immediate arrest.

Protests erupt in Vihiga

The attack sparked protests in Vihiga County on Thursday, with hundreds of residents taking to the streets demanding justice for the senator.

Demonstrators barricaded the Kisumu–Siaya–Busia highway at Luanda town and sections of the Kisumu–Kakamega road, lighting bonfires that disrupted transport and business activities and caused heavy traffic jams.

Some protesters chanted: “We are demanding justice for our senator, Godfrey Osotsi, by having those goons who assaulted him arrested and arraigned in court.”

Luanda OCPD Richard Siele said police officers were deployed to maintain order and protect property during the demonstrations.

He described the situation as unfortunate, noting that a criminal incident that occurred in Kisumu had triggered tensions in Vihiga, and urged residents to remain peaceful as investigations continue.

Condemnation and arrests

The Vihiga County Government also condemned the assault.

County Executive Committee Member for Finance Meshack Mulongo described the attack as “cowardly, barbaric and premeditated” while addressing the press. He said the Constitution, particularly Chapter Four on the Bill of Rights, guarantees the rights to life, dignity, equality and association, and that political differences should never lead to violence.

Religious leaders also spoke out against the incident. Anglican Church of Kenya Maseno North Diocese Archbishop Charles Asilutwa called for tolerance and respect among political actors as the country approaches the next general election.

He urged the Inspector General of Police to ensure thorough investigations, including reviewing CCTV footage from the scene of the attack.

Meanwhile, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said detectives in Kisumu County had arrested three persons of interest linked to the attack at Java House.

The persons of interest are currently in custody and are being processed for arraignment in court. The DCI thanked members of the public for providing information that aided the arrests and appealed for continued cooperation as detectives pursue additional suspects connected to the incident.