Osotsi attack: Police begin to unmask suspects, net widens

‘Tinga’ has been singled out as the man seen in widely circulated CCTV footage, clad in a white hoodie—an image that has come to symbolise the audacity of the assault. Meanwhile, another suspect, still at large but positively identified by police, is Lucas Otieno, alias Dogo.

According to the footage, he led the group to the table where Senator Osotsi was seated with a friend moments before the attack unfolded.

‘Dogo’ is said to be part of a team of 37 staff and oversight employees of a Kisumu politician who had been invited to attend a meeting in Nakuru, according to a letter seen by the Nation.

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“We have made progress in the case by arresting three suspects, who are now being processed for court. Investigations have been intensified, with detectives actively pursuing additional suspects linked to the incident,” said Nyanza Regional Police Commander Gisiri Nyamohanga.

She attributed the swift arrests to crucial information volunteered by members of the public and urged continued cooperation as efforts to bring all those responsible to justice gather pace.

Speaking exclusively to the Nation, Ms Nyamohanga said investigators were yet to establish the motive behind the attack. “Through the processing, we hope to uncover the motive behind the attack. In the meantime, we are already making plans to arraign them on Friday,” she said.

The arrests follow mounting public pressure, with leaders across the political divide urging the government to rein in the growing menace of organised gangs operating across the country.

The suspects were arrested a day after the senator was attacked at a coffee house in Kisumu City, where he had briefly stopped to rest after visiting a barber at Westend Mall. Hooded assailants stormed the restaurant shortly after midday, leaving him injured.

Disturbing CCTV footage shows the senator being repeatedly struck and hurled against furniture as staff and patrons watched in helpless disbelief. He was initially rushed to Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu before being airlifted to Nairobi’s Karen Hospital for specialised treatment.

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To many observers, the attack bore the hallmarks of premeditation. The assailants are said to have lingered at the premises before descending on the senator, assaulting him for nearly four minutes before fleeing.

The incident has deepened fears among Kisumu residents, who now feel increasingly vulnerable to criminal gangs that appear emboldened and unchecked.

In the hours following the assault and circulation of the CCTV footage, residents swiftly identified several of the attackers, even tracing photographs previously taken alongside senior politicians from the Nyanza region.

Some police officers, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted that efforts to act against such suspects are often frustrated, with alleged offenders frequently securing release through influence or cash bail. By Thursday afternoon, however, only three of an estimated 15 attackers had been arrested.

The arrests came after sharp criticism from leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, who questioned the commitment of authorities to bring the perpetrators to book.

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Speaking at the Nyanza Regional Police Headquarters, Mr Orengo alleged interference in the investigations. “There appears to be an unseen hand restraining the police from handling this as a straightforward investigation, yet the majority of those involved are well known; even their residences and past acts of violence are documented. This is unacceptable,” he said.

He singled out one suspect, Tinga, who is among those detained, accusing the group of operating with a sense of impunity. He called for parliamentary intervention to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and compel accountability.

The attack comes amid rising insecurity in Ahero Town, Kisumu County, where a surge in gang violence has triggered a wave of mob justice, exposing a growing erosion of public trust in law enforcement.

ODM Party leader Oburu Oginga issued a strongly worded statement condemning the attack and demanding swift action. Separately, Opposition leaders intensified pressure on the government, demanding the resignation of Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo over what they described as a pattern of politically targeted attacks.

When contacted, the office of the Interior PS referred Nation to a statement by DCI boss Mohamed Amin, who outlined progress in the investigations and said authorities had made significant strides in identifying and apprehending those involved.

The leaders, led by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, spoke after visiting Mr Osotsi at Karen Hospital. Mr Musyoka linked the incident to what he termed a broader pattern of unchecked violence, drawing parallels with previous cases.

Other Opposition leaders amplified the claims, alleging a nexus between political power and hired violence. Democratic Action Party leader Eugene Wamalwa described the situation as “goon-verment”, accusing authorities of enabling criminal gangs.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale called for swift investigative action, while Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo urged authorities to ensure the suspects are arrested and prosecuted.

Meanwhile, anger spilled into the streets of Vihiga, where supporters of Mr Osotsi staged protests that paralysed transport along the Kisumu–Busia Highway, lighting bonfires in a show of outrage.

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