Nine Gen Z Protesters Freed in Sudi Club Theft Trial

The High Court in Eldoret has ordered the release of nine youths who were charged with theft from Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi's Timber Xo club during the recent Gen Z protests.

Justice Reuben Nyakundi made the ruling on Friday, granting the accused personal bonds of Sh100,000 each without security, a marked reduction from the previous Sh300,000 bond or Sh200,000 cash bail imposed by a lower court. The decision comes after the youths, through their lawyer Kaira Nabasenge, filed individual affidavits demonstrating their inability to meet the original bond terms due to their impoverished backgrounds. Justice Nyakundi, while acknowledging that the case originated in a lower court, asserted his jurisdiction to review the bond terms.

“You will sign the instruments of personal bonds and bind yourself that you will attend presiding court until the case you have is finalized”, said Nyakundi.

He instructed the accused to sign personal bond instruments, committing them to attend court proceedings until the case's resolution. This group of nine represents a subset of the original 16 individuals charged with similar offenses, with seven having previously secured their release by meeting the initial bond requirements. The charges stem from the nationwide demonstrations on June 25, 2024, during which the accused allegedly stole goods valued at Sh78 million and caused property damage exceeding Sh80 million at the Timber Xo club. The Gen Z protests of June 2024 were part of a broader movement fueled by young people's frustrations over high unemployment, economic disparities, and perceived governmental corruption.

These demonstrations led to significant unrest, with numerous businesses, including Sudi's club, suffering substantial losses due to looting and vandalism. The legal proceedings follows President William Ruto's directive to release individuals arrested during the protests. Nabasenge argued that adhering to this directive would serve the interests of justice.