Transport along the busy Kisumu-Busia highway was brought to a standstill on Thursday after angry residents staged protests in Luanda, Vihiga County, demanding justice over the attack on Senator Godfrey Osotsi.
The demonstrators took to the streets early in the morning, lighting bonfires and barricading sections of the highway, causing a major traffic disruption that left motorists stranded for hours. Vehicles were forced to seek alternative routes as the situation intensified.
Carrying placards and waving twigs, the protesters chanted slogans condemning the assault on the Vihiga senator, which occurred in Kisumu a day earlier. The crowd steadily grew as more residents joined the demonstrations, further paralysing movement along one of the region’s key transport corridors.
Some of the protesters claimed to have crucial information regarding the attack, insisting that those responsible were known within the community. They vowed to present evidence to investigative agencies, urging authorities to act swiftly and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We know the people who beat our Senator. We have evidence and we are ready to present it. We will not sit back as our leader is attacked,” said one of the demonstrators.
The protests follow an incident on Wednesday, April 8, when Senator Osotsi was attacked by a group of armed individuals in Kisumu. According to reports, the lawmaker had visited the Acacia area for a routine haircut before heading to a nearby restaurant, where he interacted with members of the public.
It was during this time that the attackers reportedly confronted him, questioning his political stance before assaulting him. The incident left the senator injured, prompting his airlift to Nairobi for specialised treatment. His condition has not yet been fully disclosed.
The attack has triggered widespread condemnation from leaders across the political divide, many of whom have termed it a worrying trend of violence targeting public figures.
Thursday’s protests highlight growing public anger and frustration over the incident, with residents demanding accountability and immediate action from security agencies.
As tensions remain high, attention now turns to law enforcement authorities and whether swift arrests will be made to restore calm and confidence among residents.
