16 charged with theft of Sh78m alcohol from Oscar Sudi-linked Timba XO nightclub
By Titus OmindeSixteen youngsters charged with stealing goods, including alcohol, totalling Sh78 million, as well as malicious damage to property of Timba XO club associated with Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, valued at more than Sh80 million were on Thursday charged in an Eldoret court.
The accused 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 Eldoret town.
They were charged with six charges which included stealing, handling stolen property as well malicious damage to property of Timba XO Club on June 25 during Gen demonstrations in Eldoret.
The charge sheet stated that the accused together with others not before court broke into Timba XO lounge situated at Sukunanga area in Kesses Sub County along Eldoret-Nakuru highway where they engaged in felony activities which included stealing and destruction.
The court heard that during the incident the accused stole,11 sound speakers, flat screen televisions, lighting effects, assorted food staff assorted alcoholic drinks, Hp laptops, three mark books 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 a second charge of malicious damage to property which included offices, CCTV control room, main club store, alcohol counters, chairs, tables, glasses and assorted electronics all valued at Sh80,000,000.
A section of the suspects was also charged with alternative charges of handling stolen goods.
While appearing before Eldoret Principal Magistrate Kesse Choronoh denied the charges.
Through their lawyers Asseso Omolo,Amazon Koech,George Sonkule among others, they implored the court to release them on lenient bond terms bearing in mind that majority of them were high school and college students.
The lawyers told the court that three of the accused were high school students in different secondary schools in Uasin Gishu County.
The Magistrate directed the accused to be detained at Eldoret GK Prison pending ruling on bond.
The court directed probation officers to compile pre-bail report to be presented in court today to ascertain if the accused qualified to be released on bond.
Prosecution did not object their release on bond.
The matter will be mentioned today July 5 for the court to make ruling on bond application.
On Wednesday another suspect charged with similar charges in relation to Baniyas Square club was released on Sh10m before the bond terma were reviewed by high and reduced to Sh200, 000 cash bail with an alternative cash bail of Sh150,000.