By Andrew Kariuki

Three suspects linked to the assault on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi have been presented before a Kisumu court, with prosecutors seeking to detain them for 14 days to complete investigations.

The suspects—Carlos Owiti alias Kalonje, Eric Otieno alias Dude and Vincent Odhiambo alias Tinga—appeared in court on Friday following their arrest over the incident that occurred earlier this week.

The prosecution told the court that more time is needed to finalise investigations, urging the magistrate to grant custodial orders to allow officers to complete the probe.

However, the defence opposed the request, arguing that continued detention without formal charges would violate the suspects’ constitutional rights.

Their lawyer criticised what he described as a growing pattern by investigators, saying police were “arresting, arraigning without charge and asking courts for more time,” and insisted the practice should not be allowed.

He further questioned the strength of the case, noting that key witnesses, including the complainant, had not recorded statements.

“In this case, the complainant and witnesses have not recorded a statement… so how do they establish that these suspects are the ones that committed the alleged offence?” the defence argued.

The lawyer also told the court that the suspects had voluntarily presented themselves to authorities and were not arrested, dismissing concerns that they could interfere with investigations.

“One of the grounds is that suspects will interfere with witnesses, but witnesses have not recorded statements, so how would they know?” he added.

The defence raised concerns about the length of time the suspects could remain in custody, particularly given that the senator is still receiving treatment.

“What if investigations reveal that suspects are not culpable? What happens? That’s a breach of constitutional rights,” the lawyer said.

He maintained that the suspects are yet to be formally charged and there is no indication they are flight risks, urging the court to release them on bail and require them to cooperate with investigators.

The prosecution, however, maintained that the application was made in good faith to allow completion of investigations.

The court is expected to deliver its ruling at 1pm.

The three suspects are linked to the Wednesday attack on Senator Osotsi at a Kisumu restaurant, where he was reportedly assaulted by armed individuals in what he later described as an assassination attempt.