Oscar Kipchumba Sudi’s journey reads like a movie script, from hawking charcoal and touting for matatus, to becoming a multi-millionaire MP and owner of Kenya’s award-winning nightclub, Timba XO.
Born in 1980 to squatters living near Moi University in Kesses, Uasin Gishu County, Sudi’s early life was defined by poverty.
He herded animals, sold groceries, peddled charcoal, and worked as a matatu tout and later driver before owning his first public service vehicle.
In a past interview, Sudi recalled sleeping in a kitchen with his brothers in a grass-thatched house on a farm owned by Mzee Kibor arap Talai.
Life was tough; school fees were a luxury, and manual work was necessary for survival.
At just 16, Sudi earned Sh800 a month as a parking boy for a matatu named Carlos, owned by Mzee Barnabas Sawe. By 18, he was driving and saving, eventually farming seven acres of maize to boost his income.
In 2000, he married and moved into a corrugated iron home, bought his first matatu, a Peugeot 504, and took his first trip to Nairobi, returning with a TV and radio, and a new inspiration.
He had spotted people playing pool and borrowed Sh110,000 to invest in three tables across Kesses, Cherangany, and Mugundoi.
Selling his matatu to purchase a saloon car and pick-up was his gateway into the vehicle trade, a turning point that exposed him to profitable deals and powerful people.
By 2002, Sudi was funding political campaigns. He backed David Koros, then in 2007, Peris Simam, whom he later unseated in 2013.
Sudi’s educational history, as per the National Assembly, shows he attended Olympic Primary School (1997–1998), sat for KCPE, then Highway High School (2003–2006) for KCSE, and earned a Diploma in Business Management from the Kenya Institute of Management (2007–2008).
Today, he is not only the Kapseret MP but also the proud owner of Timba-XO, a premium Eldoret nightclub crowned Best Night Club at the Kenya Tourism Awards.
Timba-XO triumphed over big names like Platinum 7D (Nakuru), Quiver Lounge (Nairobi), and Da Place Lounge (Kisumu).
With stunning architecture, a VVIP lounge, and an imported HD sound system, the club has redefined nightlife in Eldoret.
Its 360° Photo Booth, themed outdoor parties, and iconic searchlights have become crowd-pullers.
In June 2024, however, Timba-XO was vandalised during anti-government protests. Looters destroyed property and stole liquor, food, and DJ equipment.
But like its owner, the club bounced back, rebuilt, revived, and became more vibrant than ever.
Sudi recently went viral flaunting Sh70,000 tan hand-knit designer loafers.
But instead of boasting, he offered perspective: “Mtu asiniulize ati mbona ninavaa viatu bei ghali. Niulize nilianzia wapi ama nilitoka wapi kwanza?”
@herman_maina #herman_maina #herman?? #fyp #kenyantiktok?? #kikuyutiktok ♬ original sound – Herman??
(Don’t ask me why I wear expensive shoes. Ask me where I started from.)