Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has strongly condemned the violent attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, describing the incident as a direct assault on Kenya’s democratic space and political tolerance.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, April 8, Wanga, who also serves as the chairperson of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), termed the attack in Kisumu as “cowardly and criminal,” distancing the party from any form of political violence.
The senator was attacked earlier in the day at a public establishment in Kisumu by a group of individuals who reportedly confronted him over his political positions before assaulting him.
The incident left him seriously injured, prompting emergency medical attention and subsequent transfer to Nairobi for specialized treatment.
Wanga emphasized that ODM does not condone intimidation or coercion, insisting that the party is anchored on the principles of social democracy, pluralism, and constitutionalism.
She pointed to the party’s constitution, which commits to the protection of human rights and the promotion of freedoms, including expression and political choice.
“Our movement has always stood for an open society where leaders and citizens are free to engage, organize, and express differing views without fear,” Wanga stated, warning that any attack targeting a leader based on their political beliefs undermines the country’s democratic gains.
The governor framed the incident within Kenya’s broader constitutional framework, noting that the right to political association and expression is protected and must not be violated through acts of violence or intimidation.
She reiterated that political contestation should be resolved through lawful and peaceful means.
At the same time, Wanga cautioned against attempts to generalize the attack to the wider Kisumu community.
She stressed that criminal acts are individual in nature and should not be used to stigmatize residents of the lakeside city.
“Such incidents must not be used as a basis to profile or label an entire community. Kisumu remains a place of diverse political thought and lawful engagement,” she added.
She also called on the National Police Service to act swiftly in investigating the matter, urging authorities to identify, arrest, and prosecute all those responsible for the attack.
Wanga concluded by wishing Senator Osotsi a quick and full recovery, expressing solidarity with him, his family, and supporters.
She reaffirmed ODM’s commitment to peaceful political engagement, warning that normalization of political violence poses a serious threat to Kenya’s democratic stability.