Kisumu: Three suspects accused of assaulting Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi have been released on a Sh1 million bond each, with a surety of a similar amount, after a Kisumu court ruled that the prosecution had failed to provide compelling reasons to deny them bail. Senior Principal Magistrate Lorraine Ogombe, delivering the ruling at the Kisumu Law Courts, underscored the constitutional right to bail, stating that the state did not sufficiently justify the continued detention of the accused.

According to Kenya News Agency, the three suspects, Carlos Owiti, Eric Otieno, and Vincent Odhiambo, have been in custody for seven days. They denied two counts of robbery with violence and stealing when they appeared before the court. The court has directed that the matter proceeds to a pre-trial conference on May 6, 2026, setting the stage for a full hearing of the case.

The charges against the accused stem from an incident in which Senator Osotsi was allegedly attacked by goons at a cafe in Kisumu. This development has sparked public concern and heightened political attention in the region. Although details of the assault remain the subject of ongoing investigations, the involvement of a sitting senator has elevated the case's profile.

Robbery with violence, one of the charges facing the accused, is considered a serious offense under Kenyan law and often attracts severe penalties upon conviction. The prosecution had opposed the release of the suspects on bond, but the court found the arguments insufficient to warrant their continued detention.

In her ruling, Ogombe emphasized that bail is a constitutional right, unless the prosecution demonstrates compelling reasons such as the likelihood of the accused interfering with witnesses, absconding, or posing a threat to public safety. The prosecution is expected to present its case during the trial, where the court will determine the culpability or innocence of the accused based on the evidence.