We're loading the complete profile of this person of interest including their biography, achievements, and contributions.
Senator for Vihiga County
Born
1975(51 yrs)
County
Vihiga
Constituency
Vihiga
Public Views
Experience
Documented career positions
Godfrey Atieno Osotsi is the Senator for Vihiga County, having been elected to the office in August 2022. Prior to that, he served as a Nominated Member of the National Assembly of Kenya from 2017 to 2022. He is affiliated with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and has held leadership roles within parliamentary committees, notably as Chair of the Senate’s Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds. Osotsi comes from Emusenjeli village in Vihiga County and holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Egerton University, a Master’s in Information Technology Management from University of Sunderland (UK) and an Executive MBA from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). Before entering elective politics he built a professional background in ICT management and served as Head of ICT at both the Energy Regulatory Board and at private firms.
Strengthening county-oversight in the Senate: As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on County Public Investments & Special Funds, Osotsi has been instrumental in holding counties accountable for the deployment of devolved funds and scrutinising special fund usage. For example, he publicly called for abolition of bursary funds in counties citing systematic misappropriation
ICT and innovation advocacy in parliament: Drawing on his ICT background, Osotsi has actively contributed to debates and legislative scrutiny around ICT bills and digital infrastructure, pressing for improved connectivity, transparency and service delivery in ICT functions at both national and county levels.
Public criticism of bursary fund misuse in counties: In his capacity as committee chair, Osotsi has publicly exposed what he calls rampant misuse of bursary funds by counties, describing bursary allocations as “another conduit of corruption” and calling for their abolition unless reforms are implemented. While this reflects oversight activism, it has drawn political pushback from county governments and officials who view the statements as adversarial.
Strong comments against judiciary and electoral processes: Osotsi has made public statements accusing the judiciary of acting as a stumbling block in reconstitution matters of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, and more broadly critiqued institutional integrity in Kenya’s governance systems. These remarks have stirred debate over parliamentary conduct and the relationship between legislators and constitutional institutions.
News articles featuring Godfrey Osotsi
Representation of Vihiga County interests at national level: In his role as Senator, he has consistently raised issues around devolution, resource allocation and development for Vihiga County. For instance, he has highlighted the need for equitable revenue sharing and stronger county functions in his public commentary.
Legislative sponsorship and committee leadership: During his parliamentary tenure, Osotsi was a member of multiple departmental committees, served in House Business Committees and as Vice Chair of Implementation Committee in the National Assembly. He also sponsored bills such as the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges (Amendment) Bill and the County Wards (Equitable Development) Bill.
ICT Bill critique and tech sector backlash: As a parliamentary actor with an ICT background, Osotsi has been vocal in debating ICT policy, including criticism of proposed bills that he argues could marginalise smaller players. Some stakeholders in the tech sector have accused him of inconsistent positions—supporting innovation broadly but resisting specific regulatory drafts—leading to tension in ICT forums.
Partisan tensions around oversight and public statements: His strong oversight posture of county governments and vocal stance on corruption and devolved matters have placed him at the centre of partisan tension in Vihiga and nationally, with some critics arguing that his public statements risk undermining institutional collaboration and devolved governance harmony. (No formal investigations cited to date)
