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Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have secured a major breakthrough in the investigation into the shocking daylight assault on Vihiga Senator Hon. Godfrey Osotsi, with three suspects now in custody and remanded by a Kisumu court.
The suspects — Carlos Owiti alias Kalonje (24) from Nyalenda, Eric Otieno alias Dude (39) from Manyatta, and Vincent Odhiambo alias Tinga (27) from Nyalenda — were arraigned on Friday, April 10, 2026, before Magistrate Daniel Chumba at the Kisumu Law Courts. They face charges related to robbery with violence.
The prosecution had requested 14 days in custody to allow for further investigations, but the magistrate granted a seven-day remand, directing that the trio be held at Kisumu Central Police Station until April 17, 2026, when the case will be mentioned again.
The arrests were announced by the DCI on Thursday, April 9, just one day after the brazen attack at Java House, West End Mall in Kisumu. According to the DCI statement, the suspects were apprehended following useful tips from members of the public. The agency has intensified investigations and is actively pursuing additional individuals believed to have been involved in the incident.
The attack occurred on Wednesday, April 8, when a group of armed goons stormed the popular coffee outlet and confronted Senator Osotsi while he was meeting a friend after a routine haircut in the Acacia area. CCTV footage that circulated widely showed the assailants assaulting the senator in a violent confrontation linked to his political stance. Osotsi, who was without security detail at the time, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Nairobi for specialized treatment.
He is currently recuperating at Karen Hospital, where multiple political leaders, including former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, Moses Kuria, and others, have visited him. Reports indicate that the senator is in stable condition and in high spirits despite the severity of the assault.
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation across the political divide, with leaders from various parties describing it as primitive and unacceptable. Some have pointed to possible political motives, while others have called for calm to avoid escalating tensions in the region. The DCI has thanked the public for its cooperation and urged continued support as detectives work to bring all perpetrators to justice.
Investigations are ongoing to establish the full motive behind the attack and to identify any possible masterminds. The swift arrests have been welcomed by many, though questions remain about the complete network behind what appears to have been a well-coordinated assault.
Dalanews Kenya will continue to monitor developments in this high-profile case, including court proceedings and the senator’s recovery. Further updates will be provided as more details emerge from the ongoing probe.