Kapsaret Residents Demand MP Oscar Sudi’s Resignation Amid Protests Over Assault and Neglect Claims
It represented a collective call for dignity, fairness, and the right to be heard without fear a demand that still resonates across Kapsaret.
Residents of kapseret demanding justice for maswai. Photo/Achieng Kemuma
By Brenda Muriithi
In Kapsaret on Monday, the air was heavy with tension and defiance as hundreds of residents took to the streets, demanding the immediate resignation of their area Member of Parliament, Oscar Sudi. What began as outrage over the alleged assault of a local man, Ken Maswai, quickly escalated into a broader protest against what residents described as intimidation, neglect, and unfulfilled promises during the MP’s tenure.
The daylong protest attracted men, women, and the youth from all corners of the constituency, united in a sense of frustration and betrayal. Chanting “Sudi must go!” and waving placards and banners, demonstrators marched through Kapsaret town center, accusing their legislator of turning a deaf ear to their concerns. The chants echoed through the streets, symbolizing years of pent-up anger among citizens who claim they have been sidelined and silenced.
The protesters argued that the area’s development projects have stalled despite repeated promises during electioneering periods. “We have been silenced for too long,” one demonstrator said. “Every time we ask for progress, we are treated as enemies. But today, we are standing firm.”
Tensions escalated further when the peaceful procession was disrupted for brief periods as a group of men, whom eyewitnesses described as “goons,” managed to get into the crowd and tried to disperse the demonstrators. Witnesses recounted how the men chased and intimidated participants, leading to moments of chaos. Some protesters fled in fear, while others stood their ground, chanting even louder in defiance. Residents accused the MP of sending hired people to intimidate peaceful citizens – a claim that additionally fanned their outrage.
Youth allied to MP Oscar Sudi, armed with rungus, confront protesters along the Southern Bypass. Photo: Kemuma Achieng.
Despite the disruption, the protesters regrouped almost immediately and continued their march, promising not to be silenced. “We are peaceful and hardworking people who have waited for too long,” shouted one protester into a megaphone. “We are here not to commit violence, but for justice-to ourselves and for our children’s future.”
The name Ken Masuai became the rallying cry throughout the demonstration. His alleged assault, which sparked the unrest, resonated deeply with the community. “The suffering of Ken Masuai is the suffering of each one of us,” said a mourner during a vigil that took place alongside the protest. His story represented the wider frustrations of a community that has felt abandoned and voiceless to many.
Local elders and community leaders eventually joined the protests, calling for calm while supporting the people’s need for justice and accountability. They asked the authorities to investigate the alleged assault and the reported intimidation of protesters. “We want fairness, peace, and leadership that listens,” said one elder. “The people have spoken; it is time for those in power to act.” For many residents, Monday’s protest was more than a demonstration against one individual. It represented a collective call for dignity, fairness, and the right to be heard without fear — a demand that still resonates across Kapsaret.
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