Former Samburu Governor Moses Kasaine Lenolkulal, along with eight former County Chief Officers and a businessman, was convicted today by the Nairobi Anti-Corruption Court on charges of Conflict of Interest, Unlawful Acquisition of Public Property, and Abuse of Office.
The landmark ruling adds another chapter to Kenya’s ongoing crackdown on corruption.
Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzyioka, who presided over the case, found that the prosecution provided overwhelming evidence against the accused through the testimony of eleven witnesses.
The court determined that Lenolkulal, together with businessman Hesbon Jack Wachira, unlawfully acquired Ksh. 83,345,255 in public funds between March 27, 2015, and March 25, 2019, within Samburu County.
Additionally, Lenolkulal was convicted of Conflict of Interest after it was established that, during his tenure as Samburu County Governor, he had a private interest in contracts between his business, Oryx Services Station, and the Samburu County Government for fuel supply.
The eight other individuals convicted alongside Lenolkulal include:The eight individuals convicted alongside former Governor Lenolkulal include Stephen Siringa Letinina, County Secretary; Daniel Nakuo Lenolkirina, Chief Officer of Finance; Josephine Naamo Lenasalia, Chief Officer of Environment & Natural Resources, Health Services & Sanitation, and Tourism, Trade, and Cooperatives.
Others include Reuben Marumben Lemunyete, Chief Officer of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries; Linus Milton Lenolngenje, Chief Officer of Transport and Public Works; Paul Lolmingani, Chief Officer of Transport and Public Works; Benard Ltarasi Lesurmat, Chief Officer of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development; and Lilian Balanga, Chief Officer of Gender, Culture, Social Services, and Deputy Director of Education.
These former officials were found guilty of Abuse of Office under Section 46, as read with Section 48(1) of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003.
Following the conviction, the prosecution team successfully argued for the cancellation of the bond terms for all convicts.
Chief Magistrate Nzyioka ordered that Lenolkulal, Wachira, and the other convicted officers be remanded in custody, pending sentencing, which is scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Milimani Law Courts.
