Former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal has been found guilty of corruption in a Ksh83 million case. Magistrate Thomas Nzyoki delivered the verdict at Milimani Law Courts on August 28, 2024.
Magistrate Nzyoki said that evidence clearly showed Lenolkulal and his associate, Hesbon Ndathi, were the main beneficiaries of the stolen public funds.
Lenolkulal was charged in 2019 with abuse of office and conflict of interest leading to the alleged loss of Sh 83 million.
He allegedly used his company, Oryx Service Station, to supply fuel to the Samburu County government while he was in office.
The court reviewed over 200 payment vouchers and invoices as evidence of Lenolkulal’s illegal dealings.
Nzyoki criticized the county secretary, the second accused, for approving payments despite knowing that Lenolkulal owned Oryx.
“The county secretary signed off on payments while fully aware of Lenolkulal’s ownership,” Nzyoki said.
The court also accused the accounting office of lying about the ownership of Oryx.
EACC Spokesperson Eric Ngumbi described the ruling as a major victory in the fight against corruption.
“This is the first criminal corruption case involving a governor that has reached a conclusion, despite previous attempts to withdraw it,” Ngumbi noted.
He added that the money has been recovered through a separate civil suit.
Alongside Lenolkulal, others found guilty include Stephen Siringa, Daniel Nakuo, Josephine Naamo, Reuben Marumben, Milton Lenolngenje, Bernard Lesurmat, Lilian Balanga, and Hesbon Ndathi.
Moses Lenolkulal Denied Bail
One key issue in the case was the ownership of Oryx after Lenolkulal became governor. Lenolkulal and Ndathi presented a lease agreement in court, claiming it showed Lenolkulal had leased the station to Ndathi.
However, the court dismissed the lease as a sham intended to hide their actions.
“The supposed landlord-tenant relationship was not credible,” the magistrate said.
The court also rejected a bail application from the convicts.
“I do not find it appropriate to grant bail pending mitigation,” Magistrate Nzyoki stated.
The court canceled their bond terms,
And the parties are scheduled to return for sentencing on Thursday.
By Vivian K.