Former Deputy President and leader of the Democratic Conservative Party (DCP), Rigathi Gachagua, has issued a strong statement condemning the violent assault on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi in Kisumu City on Wednesday, urging security agencies to act swiftly while reaffirming democratic rights.
In a statement released in Wednesday night evening, Gachagua expressed deep concern over the assault that left Senator Osotsi injured and hospitalized, stressing that no Kenyan — leader or citizen — should be subjected to violence.
“Reports of a violent attack targeting Senator Godfrey Osotsi, resulting in a hospital admission, are deeply troubling. Acts of political violence, intimidation, and lawlessness, regardless of who is targeted, have no place in our democracy," Gachagua said.
Gachagua reiterated that Kenya is a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law, where every leader has the right to move freely, assemble peacefully and express views without fear.
These rights, he noted, are guaranteed under the Constitution.
The Kisumu incident occurred as Senator Osotsi visited a coffee house in the West End Mall area after a routine outing.
Eyewitnesses reported that a group of assailants confronted Osotsi before physically assaulting him, prompting his admission to a local hospital.
Later, arrangements were made to transfer him to Nairobi for specialised care. Authorities are yet to release full details of his condition.
While the motive remains under investigation, Gachagua framed the attack in the broader context of rising political intolerance.
“The disturbing events reported in Kisumu are not isolated,” he stated, pointing to what he described as a recent pattern of opposition leaders facing intimidation.
“This is an assault on democracy and an act of cowardice,” Gachagua said, urging the National Police Service to launch a comprehensive probe into Wednesday’s attack and other incidents in the region.
He insisted that justice must not only be done but be seen to be done.
The DCP leader also addressed political opponents directly, challenging the use of intimidation in political engagement.
“Politics is a game of persuasion. If indeed you have delivered on the agenda you promised the Kenyan people, why would you be intimidated by those who hold contrary opinions?” he asked.
Gachagua’s remarks came amid widespread condemnation of the assault from leaders across the political divide. Several lawmakers called for calm and respect for constitutional freedoms, highlighting the importance of peaceful political discourse.
“No Kenyan should feel excluded or targeted in their own country,” Gachagua said, appealing to all parties to reject violence and protect democratic principles as enshrined in the 2010 Constitution.
He concluded by wishing Senator Osotsi a swift recovery, insisting that the attackers be brought to justice through due process.
“I wish you a quick recovery and insist that the attackers must be apprehended and have their day in court,” Gachagua said.