Siaya Governor James Orengo has strongly condemned the recent assault on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, calling for swift action against those behind the incident.

Speaking in Kisumu on Saturday, April 11, 2026, Orengo said he had personally reported the matter to the police following the attack that occurred at a local restaurant.

He revealed that he visited the station two days after the incident to formally lodge his concerns and follow up on investigations into the assault.

At the time, the governor said there were doubts about how quickly the police would respond to the matter and bring those responsible to justice.

He said the recent arrests of three perpetrators were a step in the right direction, but emphasised that more needed to be done to fully dismantle the criminal network behind the attack.

According to the Governor, the individuals who planned, coordinated, and financed the assault must also be identified and prosecuted.

He further stressed that justice would only be achieved once all those involved, including the masterminds, are brought before the law.

Orengo singled out a suspected mastermind, describing him as a notorious figure believed to have led the group involved in the attack and urged the police to intensify efforts to arrest the person of interest.

According to Orengo, the capture of the mastermind would significantly help in curbing gangsterism and organised crime.

“We urge the police that in order to deal with the problem of gangsterism and thuggery, the suspected mastermind must be arrested and prosecuted,” Orengo said.

Orengo’s concerns

The governor also raised concerns over links between criminals and individuals in positions of authority.

He accused a senior government official of taking photographs with some of the suspected attackers, raising questions about possible protection of criminal elements and maintained that no individual, regardless of status, should be above the law and called for accountability across all levels.

He defended Kisumu’s reputation as a peaceful and welcoming city, saying the attack should not define its people.

“In Kenya, there is freedom of movement, and every citizen has the right to go anywhere in the country,” he said.

He added that the harassment of a national leader such as Senator Osotsi in Kisumu was unacceptable and must be condemned, and dismissed claims that the incident was driven by ethnic tensions between communities.

He warned against attempts to create hostility between the Luhya and Luo communities, insisting the attack was purely criminal.

“The Luhyas are our neighbours. We intermarry and share many social and political ties. This was not about ethnicity,” he said.

Orengo further noted that members of the Luhya community form a significant support base of the Orange Democratic Movement, cautioning against propaganda meant to divide communities.

Looking ahead, he confirmed that political rallies would continue across the country, with the next one scheduled for Nakuru on April 19, 2026.

He said additional venues would be announced as leaders continue to engage the public ahead of the upcoming elections and indicated that the campaign trail would eventually culminate in major rallies in Nairobi and Kisumu.

He described Kisumu as a key political hub and reiterated its historical role in Kenya’s struggle for democracy.

The governor concluded by invoking the legacy of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, praising his contribution to unity, constitutionalism, and devolution.

He said leaders would continue to uphold Odinga’s ideals as they push for a more united and democratic country.