Osotsi narrates how one attacker tried to draw a gun during Kisumu incident
By Kenneth Mwenda, April 11, 2026Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has described how a violent confrontation in Kisumu escalated into an attempted shooting when one of the attackers tried to pull a gun during the assault.
Speaking on Saturday, April 11, 2026, after his discharge from Karen Hospital, Osotsi said the attack happened at a business complex where he had gone for a haircut, shortly after what he described as a normal day of meetings and public interactions.
“I must thank you for showing up to me and my family in this short period,” he said. “Many people came to visit me in the hospital, particularly members of the Linda Mwananchi.”
Osotsi said he had travelled to Kisumu with plans to stay for several days and continue political and constituency work.
“I had actually travelled to Western Kenya. My intention was to be there for two weeks,” he said.
He said the day began normally, with supportive crowds at Kisumu Airport and along the Kisumu–Kakamega road.
“When I arrived at Kisumu airport, I had a large team of youth encouraging us to continue doing what we were doing,” he said.
Osotsi said he later stopped at Acacia Complex in Kisumu for a haircut and a scheduled meeting.
“I decided to go to Kisumu for a haircut. I went to the Acacia Complex,” he said.
He said the atmosphere at first remained calm, with no signs of danger.
“I saw people encouraging us to continue doing what we are doing,” he said.
But he said the situation changed when a group of about 15 to 20 youths entered the complex and moved towards him.
“They were shouting ‘Senator’,” he said.
Osotsi said the group suddenly turned violent and began attacking him while questioning his political stand.
“All of a sudden, they started hitting me and asking why I was supporting one term and not supporting William Ruto,” he said.
He said he lost consciousness during the attack as the beating continued.
“Before long, I was unconscious because they hit me so hard. I tried to run away, I fell down, and they continued to hit me,” he said.
Gun draw attempt foiled
Osotsi said the situation escalated further when his security officer arrived after hearing the commotion.
“At that point I think my security heard a commotion, so he quickly came,” he said.
He said one of the attackers then attempted to draw a firearm.
“One of the guys, the one who was kicking me, was actually trying to remove a gun to shoot,” he said. “Was actually trying to remove a gun to shoot.”
Osotsi said the attempt failed after his security intervened, forcing the attackers to flee.
“But when my security removed his, they all panicked and ran away,” he said.
He said he was later pulled to safety through a back exit inside the complex before being rushed to hospital.
“I ran to the kitchen. Behind the kitchen there is a door for deliveries,” he said.
Osotsi was first taken to Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu before being airlifted to Nairobi for further treatment.
He said he is recovering but remains active in political mobilisation under the Linda Mwananchi movement.
He also dismissed claims that the attack was linked to personal matters, insisting it was politically driven.
“This was not a love thing,” he said.