Angry Residents Block Kisumu-Busia Highway, Demand Immediate Arrests Over Osotsi Attack
The demonstrators, angered by the Wednesday attack in Kisumu, blocked sections of the highway, lighting bonfires and marching along the road. The protests paralysed transport for several hours, leaving motorists stranded and forcing others to seek alternative routes as the situation intensified.
Eyewitness accounts and images circulating online showed large crowds of protesters waving twigs and carrying placards, chanting slogans condemning the attack on the senator. The demonstrations grew steadily as more residents joined, heightening tensions in the area.
“We know the people who beat our Senator. We have enough evidence, and we are ready to bring forward the evidence. As the people of Vihiga, we will not relax seeing one of us being beaten,” said one protester during the demonstrations.
The unrest comes a day after Senator Osotsi was reportedly attacked by a group of armed individuals in Kisumu County. According to reports, the legislator had made a routine visit to the Acacia area, where he got a haircut before proceeding to a restaurant to meet a friend and interact with members of the public.
Moments later, the situation took a violent turn when a group of individuals, some reportedly armed, confronted him. Witnesses say the attackers questioned the senator about his political affiliation before launching a physical assault.
CCTV footage that has since circulated online appears to show the senator being overwhelmed by multiple assailants, pinned to the ground, and subjected to repeated blows. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from leaders across the political divide, many describing it as a targeted attack.
Following the assault, Osotsi was airlifted to Nairobi, where he is currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the incident.
Local leaders and residents have expressed frustration over what they describe as delayed action by law enforcement agencies, despite the availability of video evidence that could aid in identifying the perpetrators.
The protests in Luanda reflect growing public pressure on authorities to expedite investigations and bring those responsible to justice. By midday, security officers had been deployed to the area in an effort to restore order and reopen the highway, though tensions remained high.
The incident has reignited concerns over political intolerance and security in parts of the country, with residents warning that failure to act decisively could escalate unrest further.
As investigations continue, attention remains on how quickly law enforcement agencies will respond to the demands for accountability, with both residents and leaders insisting that justice for the embattled senator must be served without delay.
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Angry Residents Block Kisumu-Busia Highway, Demand Immediate Arrests Over Osotsi Attack
