Former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal has made headlines following his conviction in a significant corruption case, marking a historic moment in Kenya’s fight against graft.
On August 28, the court sentenced Lenolkulal to eight years in prison or a hefty fine of Ksh 85.4 million. This was after finding him guilty of corruptly acquiring Ksh 83.3 million from the county government during his tenure.
This conviction is notable as it marks the first time a former governor has been sentenced for corruption since Kenya’s 2013 devolution.
The case against Lenolkulal, which began in 2019, revealed a complex web of corruption involving the misuse of public funds for personal gain.
On August 28, 2024, the court sentenced Lenolkulal to eight years in prison or a hefty fine of Ksh 85.4 million after he acquired Ksh 83.3 million corruptly from the county government during his tenure.
The court determined that he had acted in direct conflict with the law by failing to disclose his ownership of the service station. He also used a proxy to conceal his involvement in the transactions.
Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzioki, who presided over the case, stated that the evidence presented was overwhelming. This included over 200 payment vouchers that illustrated the direct financial transactions between the county and Lenolkulal’s business.
The court also highlighted the complicity of other county officials, including the former county secretary and several chief officers. It convicted them alongside Lenolkulal for their roles in facilitating these corrupt practices.
Along with the prison sentence or fine, the court has barred Lenolkulal from holding any elective office for ten years to ensure accountability.
People have hailed the ruling as a significant step in the ongoing battle against corruption in Kenya. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has emphasized the need for stringent measures to deter similar offenses in the future.
Lenolkulal’s defense argued that he did not personally benefit from the transactions and claimed the prosecution rushed to judgment.
However, the court dismissed these claims, reinforcing the principle that public officers must prioritize integrity and transparency in their dealings.