Senator Osotsi issues statement after angry residents heckle during Ruto’s event

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has condemned the name-calling and heckling witnessed during President William Ruto’s development tour in Luanda.

In a statement shared by the Orange Democratic Movement on Friday, January 24, 2025, the vocal senator indicated that he was saddened by what transpired during the launch of Luanda Modern Market.

While condemning the incident which he insisted was shameful he reprimanded local leaders who he argued were perpetuating politics of intolerance in Vihiga County.

“I am deeply concerned and dismayed by the unfortunate happenings at the groundbreaking event of Luanda Modern Market on Wednesday. It is very sad that an event styled as a development tour was turned into a theatre of heckling, name-calling and absurdity before the Head of State and his entourage.

“Politics of mobilizing hecklers to demean others is archaic and has no room in modern society where voters have the final say. Additionally, Vihiga people are peace-loving Kenyans who embrace togetherness, respect and unity and have co-existed for many years,” Osotsi’s statement read in part.

“I call upon my fellow leaders in the county to desist from this growing negative culture and spearhead political tolerance. We must understand that you cannot lead people through the application of archaic methods. We should all promote political tolerance even as we hold divergent opinions and ideologies,” it added.

Cause of heckling

In his statement, the ODM Deputy Leader claimed the heckling was party caused by the unplanned demolition in the area. He lamented that traders’ stalls were brought down to align with Ruto’s schedule.

As a result, Osotsi added Governor Otichillo was jeered while trying to address the irate residents in front of the Head of State.

He, however, castigated the leaders present at the development tour for failing to condemn the heckling incident.

“Notably, the Kenya Kwanza leadership who were in the meeting did not condemn this barbaric and unwise act.

“This heckling is also attributed to the brutal and unnecessary demolition of traders’ stalls without adequate notice by the contractor and supervised by government officials to align with the Presidential schedule.

“It is unfortunate that Governor Wilber Otichillo became the victim of circumstances by angry locals due to the unprecedented omissions by the National Government. Presidential functions must be organised in such a manner to accord respect and honour to the high office and must not lead to disunity and suffering of the people,” Osotsi explained in his statement,

Nonetheless, he called for the compensation of the traders whose stalls were demolished.

“I call upon the government to immediately compensate the traders who made losses as a result of untimely and uncoordinated demolitions.”

Osotsi skips event

Osotsi was not present during the development tour due to engagement outside the country.

“I am currently on a foreign developmental tour in Europe. While here, I have been informed that H.E. President Dr. William Ruto will be visiting Vihiga County on Wednesday, 22nd January 2025,” Osotsi stated.

“The purpose of this visit, I am informed is for the launch of the construction of Luanda Modern Market. Regrettably, I will not be attending this event for the reason stated. However, I want to urge our people to accord the President a warm reception to our great County.”

Politics of hiring people to heckle and humiliate others has been overtaken by time… DPL @HonSenOsotsi says pic.twitter.com/UdycwDLMBI

— The ODM Party (@TheODMparty) January 24, 2025