Suspects in Sudi's club looting challenge bond terms

Nine people accused of stealing and destruction of property valued at over Sh150 million at Timba XO Club, which is associated with Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, have moved to the High Court to have their bond terms reviewed.

This is after they claimed they were unable to raise the amount.

The youths, who could not raise the Sh300,000 bond and alternative Sh200,000 cash bail imposed on them by the law court, filed an application before Eldoret High Court Judge Reuben Nyakundi seeking to be released on reasonable bond terms.

Seven of their co-accused were freed by Principal Magistrate Cherono Kesse two months ago after they raised the Sh200,000 cash bail.

The youths have been held at Eldoret GK remand prison since their arrest and arraignment in court in July during the height of Gen Z protests.

They told the High Court that they come from humble backgrounds and cannot secure their freedom as the bond terms were not favourable to them. They jointly requested personal bonds.

Justice Nyakundi, who slated his ruling for Thursday, asked the accused persons to file their statements stating their respective family backgrounds to enable him to make an informed decision on their respective bail terms.

"Since all of you are not from one family, I direct that you file statements indicating the status of your respective family background before I deliver my verdict on your respective bond term on Thursday, September 19," the judge stated.

The youths were arrested after a Gen Z demo in Eldoret on June 25 that led to the looting and destruction of property at the famous club in the outskirts of Eldoret town.

The particulars of the charge read that during the incident, the accused stole 11 sound speakers, flat-screen televisions, lighting effects, assorted foodstuff assorted alcoholic drinks, HP laptops, three Macbook laptops assorted computers, assorted kitchen utensils, gas cylinders among other goods all valued at Sh78,896,560, all property of Timba XO Lounge.

They were also charged with malicious damage to property, which included offices, CCTV control room, main club store, alcohol counters, chairs, tables, glasses, and assorted electronics all valued at Sh80 million.

Some of the suspects were also charged with alternative charges of handling stolen goods.

They have denied all the charges leveled against them.

Last month, families of the accused youths pleaded with Sudi to forgive their children and facilitate their release from custody, saying they were suffering.