Wambui Faith
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has taken a firm stand against what he describes as a rising tide of state-sponsored "goonism" following a recent violent assault directed at him. Speaking in a candid interview, the Senator detailed a harrowing experience in Kisumu where he was attacked by armed individuals while in a public space, an incident he claims was a premeditated attempt to silence his political voice.
According to Osotsi, the attack wasn't a random act of crime but a calculated move by those uncomfortable with his oversight role. He noted that the assailants specifically accused him of opposing the current administration’s policies, signaling a dangerous trend where violence is being used as a tool for political intimidation. "We are seeing a culture of impunity where goons are hired to settle political scores," he stated, expressing disappointment in the slow response from security agencies despite the existence of CCTV footage.
The Linda Mwananchi Push
Amidst these challenges, Osotsi remains defiant, confirming that the Linda Mwananchi movement is gaining serious momentum. He described the initiative not just as a political lobby, but as a "shield for the common Kenyan" against the rising cost of living and what he terms the "lies" of the current regime.
Resistance to Intimidation: The Senator emphasized that the attack has only strengthened the resolve of the movement. He made it clear that "Linda Mwananchi" will continue to push for the 10-point agenda they recently launched, regardless of threats.
The Goonism Crisis: He highlighted that if the government does not stamp out these "gangs for hire," the country is heading toward a volatile 2027 election period.
A Call for Action: Osotsi is calling for the immediate arrest of the organizers behind his attack, insisting that the National Police Service must prove its neutrality.
The Senator concluded by stating that his focus remains on holding the government accountable for the equitable share of funds to counties and ensuring that devolution is not "strangled" by the National Treasury. For Osotsi, the physical scars of the recent attack are a small price to pay for the "unfiltered truth" he intends to keep sharing with Kenyans.
According to Osotsi, the attack wasn't a random act of crime but a calculated move by those uncomfortable with his oversight role. He noted that the assailants specifically accused him of opposing the current administration’s policies, signaling a dangerous trend where violence is being used as a tool for political intimidation. "We are seeing a culture of impunity where goons are hired to settle political scores," he stated, expressing disappointment in the slow response from security agencies despite the existence of CCTV footage.
The Linda Mwananchi Push
Amidst these challenges, Osotsi remains defiant, confirming that the Linda Mwananchi movement is gaining serious momentum. He described the initiative not just as a political lobby, but as a "shield for the common Kenyan" against the rising cost of living and what he terms the "lies" of the current regime.
Resistance to Intimidation: The Senator emphasized that the attack has only strengthened the resolve of the movement. He made it clear that "Linda Mwananchi" will continue to push for the 10-point agenda they recently launched, regardless of threats.
The Goonism Crisis: He highlighted that if the government does not stamp out these "gangs for hire," the country is heading toward a volatile 2027 election period.
A Call for Action: Osotsi is calling for the immediate arrest of the organizers behind his attack, insisting that the National Police Service must prove its neutrality.
The Senator concluded by stating that his focus remains on holding the government accountable for the equitable share of funds to counties and ensuring that devolution is not "strangled" by the National Treasury. For Osotsi, the physical scars of the recent attack are a small price to pay for the "unfiltered truth" he intends to keep sharing with Kenyans.
