Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi has announced the suspension of all his political engagements following the vandalism of his club Timba XO during recent protests against the Finance Bill 2024.
The nightclub, situated along the Eldoret-Nairobi road, became a target for angry protesters who escalated a peaceful demonstration into violence.
In a video shared on his Instagram page, a visibly distressed Sudi condemned the actions, expressing profound disappointment and highlighting that he had been personally targeted.
“What transpired on Tuesday, which followed an otherwise peaceful protest by Gen Z, is unfortunate,” the 44-year-old politician began.
The incident has caused significant uproar in the local community.
Sudi suggested that the destruction at Timba XO was a calculated move by his competitors to attack him personally and cripple his operations.
He announced his decision to step back from all political activities to process the events that had transpired.
“However, the magnitude of the loss of lives, looting, and property destruction that happened is appalling and it negates the spirit of our constitution. In my entire life, I have never organized or ill-wished my political competitors, and it is shocking when they take advantage of innocent youth and take charge of the peaceful protest to wreak havoc,” Sudi stated.
The chaos on Tuesday June 25, 2024, began as a peaceful protest but quickly escalated into violence, resulting in significant damage to property and loss of lives.
The protesters, primarily composed of Gen Z youths, were expressing their frustration over the proposed 2024 Finance Bill, a contentious issue in recent weeks.
“Following the mayhem, I have forthwith suspended all my political activities and I’m defenceless to protect all my properties,” Sudi concluded in his post.
The unrest has had a widespread impact, with numerous business owners across the country incurring significant losses as some protesters resorted to looting.
Several supermarkets, shops, and hotels in regions including Nairobi, Nyeri, Nakuru, and Bungoma were targeted by the rampaging crowds.
Among the affected establishments was a Quick Mart supermarket in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD). Extensive property damage was reported, leaving business owners grappling with the aftermath of the destructive protests.
In Nyeri, businessman and Kieni MP Wanaina Njoroge reported a loss of over Ksh550 million in investment after his supermarket was vandalized and looted.
The recent violence has left a trail of destruction and economic hardship, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution to the issues surrounding the Finance Bill 2024.
Related: Finance Bill aftermath: Joho wants Gachagua to lead by example and resign
