Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has been airlifted to Nairobi for specialized treatment after he was allegedly attacked by armed goons in Kisumu on Wednesday morning.

The news of Osotsi’s attack was announced by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifun, who confirmed the former ODM Deputy Party leader was attacked and injured while receiving a haircut in Kisumu.

“I have spoken to Senator Osotsi’s team and confirmed that he was viciously attacked and injured in Kisumu earlier today when he went to get a haircut,” Sifuna said.

Sifuna, who said he had spoken with Osotsi’s team, stated that he was informed the injuries sustained by the senator were serious and required urgent medical attention, prompting his airlift to Nairobi.

“The Senator is being airlifted to Nairobi as we speak. Whilst we wait further details, I strongly condemn this attack and ask the Police for immediate action on those responsible,” he added.

The Vihiga Senate office also confirmed the incident, stating that Osotsi had visited the Acacia area for a haircut before proceeding to a Java restaurant to meet a friend, after which he interacted with members of the public for about 30 minutes.

“The Senator had made a routine visit to the Acacia area for personal grooming (to take a shave) before proceeding to Java Restaurant, where he met a friend and interacted cordially with members of the public for approximately thirty minutes,” stated the senator’s office.

They added, “It was during this time that a group of gun-wielding individuals confronted him, questioning his political stance and subsequently subjecting him to physical manhandling.” 

Osotsi, ousted from his deputy party leader position during the recently held NDC, is part of ODM’s Linda Mwananchi brigade, led by Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.

The group has been vocal in its criticism of the broad-based arrangement between President William Ruto’s UDA Party and the ODM Party.