Ex-Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal and 10 Co-Accused Convicted in Ksh. 83 Million Graft Case

Former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal Kasaine has been convicted by the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court on multiple charges, including unlawful acquisition of public property. This conviction marks a significant moment in Kenyan judicial history as it is the first instance where a sitting or former governor has been found guilty by the Anti-Corruption Court.

The case against Lenolkulal, who was the governor of Samburu County from 2013 to 2022, centered around the misuse of public funds amounting to Ksh. 83 million. The court established that Lenolkulal used his company, Oryx Service Station, to supply fuel to the Samburu County Government, a clear conflict of interest that violated procurement regulations and public trust.

The prosecution presented a robust case supported by the testimonies of 11 witnesses and 388 documentary exhibits. These pieces of evidence collectively illustrated a systematic pattern of corruption and misuse of public resources by Lenolkulal and his associates. The court found that the former governor orchestrated these transactions through a proxy, Hesbon Wachira, who was also convicted of illegally acquiring public property.

Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzioki, who presided over the case, expressed that the evidence presented was more than sufficient to prove the guilt of Lenolkulal and his co-accused beyond a reasonable doubt. In his ruling, Magistrate Nzioki highlighted the gravity of the offenses, dismissing the defense’s arguments that no financial loss had occurred. He underscored that the corruption charges were serious and involved a significant breach of public trust and resources.

Lenolkulal and ten other co-accused, including former county officers, were convicted of various charges related to abuse of office. The court’s decision reflects a broader commitment to combating corruption at high levels of government and ensuring accountability. The conviction serves as a critical precedent in Kenya’s ongoing battle against corruption, demonstrating that even high-ranking officials are not above the law.

The case drew significant public and media attention due to the high profile of the accused and the substantial amount of public funds involved. The verdict has been welcomed by anti-corruption advocates and citizens alike, who view it as a step towards greater transparency and integrity in Kenyan governance.

This conviction highlights the need for vigilance and accountability in public service, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding public resources from misuse. It also underscores the role of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served, regardless of an individual’s status or position.

The sentencing phase will follow, where the court will determine the appropriate penalties for Lenolkulal and his co-accused. The outcomes of this case will likely influence future anti-corruption efforts and policies in Kenya, setting a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.

As Kenya continues to grapple with issues of corruption and mismanagement, the conviction of Lenolkulal serves as both a warning and a beacon of hope. It demonstrates that the legal system is capable of addressing high-profile corruption cases effectively, holding public officials accountable, and working towards a more transparent and accountable government.

The case of Moses Lenolkulal and his co-accused will be remembered as a landmark moment in Kenya’s fight against corruption, signaling a shift towards greater judicial accountability and public trust in the fight against financial misconduct in public office.