Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has condemned what he calls a troubling and “unfortunate narrative” that associates attacks on political leaders with alleged involvement of women.
Cherargei argues that such assertions mislead the public, unfairly distort the discussion, and detract from the pressing issues of insecurity and political intolerance.
During a Senate plenary session, he voiced his concerns regarding commentary surrounding the recent assault on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi. Some reports and social media discussions suggested that the attack might relate to a personal relationship involving a woman.
Cherargei dismissed these claims as unfounded and urged both leaders and the public to refrain from sensationalizing violent incidents involving public figures.
“I visited Senator Osotsi; he looked remarkably resilient despite the attack by assailants,” Cherargei stated in the House, referring to the senator’s injuries.
He emphasized, “We must eliminate the narrative that whenever a politician or leader faces an attack, a woman’s involvement is always suggested.”
Furthermore, Cherargei warned that perpetuating such narratives could unjustly damage the reputations of innocent individuals and distract from holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
“It is deeply unfortunate that an innocent person who was with Osotsi is now being wrongly implicated,” he remarked.
Cherargei also took this opportunity to address broader concerns about the safety of elected officials, asserting that the attack on Osotsi should serve as a critical reminder of escalating insecurity.
“No one is exempt from danger; this incident underscores that even Members of Parliament can be targeted,” he said. “If we remain silent on acts of hooliganism, we should not assume that holding a government position will shield us from harm.”
His comments arise amid increasing political tension following the April 8, 2026, attack on Senator Osotsi in Kisumu town.
The senator was assaulted after visiting the Acacia area in Kisumu County, where he had stopped at a barbershop before heading to a restaurant. It was at this restaurant that unidentified individuals confronted and attacked him.
Osotsi sustained injuries during the incident and received immediate medical care before being airlifted to Nairobi for specialized treatment. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders nationwide, who view it as an assault on democratic principles and the safety of elected officials.
Security agencies have initiated investigations into the incident, with mounting calls for prompt action to identify and prosecute those responsible.
In response to speculation linking the attack to personal matters, Osotsi firmly refuted these claims, labeling them as misleading and politically motivated.
He dismissed any notions of a love triangle, asserting that the incident had no ties to his private life.
“It was not a love triangle; I have a wonderful wife. Even if I wished to pursue romance, I wouldn’t do so publicly,” Osotsi stated.
