Former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal has been slapped with a hefty Sh84 million fine, failing which he will serve a four-year prison term. Lenolkulal was found guilty of corruptly acquiring public funds during his tenure as county governor.
Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzyoki of the Anti-Corruption Court also barred Lenolkulal from holding any public office for the next 10 years. In his ruling, Nzyoki noted that while he considered the pleas for leniency from the accused, the seriousness of the corruption charges warranted a strong response.
“This being a corruption matter, I’ve considered various objectives, including deterrence, retribution, denunciation, and community protection,” Nzyoki stated.
Lenolkulal was convicted on two counts: conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of public funds. His alleged associate, Hesbon Ndathi, who was charged alongside him, was also ordered to pay a mandatory fine of Sh84 million.
The court highlighted that the case involved a breach of public trust and that Lenolkulal’s actions were a deliberate violation of good governance. Nzyoki emphasized that there was no justification for Lenolkulal, as a public servant, to engage in business dealings with the county, noting that the illegal acquisition of Sh84 million benefited him and his associates.
Other co-accused individuals, including Stephen Siringa, Daniel Nakuo, Josephine Naamo, Reuben Marumben, Milton Lenolngenje, Bernard Lesurmat, and Lilian Balanga—all county officers—were each fined Sh700,000 or, in default, face four years in prison.
Shortly after the sentencing, Lenolkulal vowed to appeal the conviction and sentence, expressing confidence that the High Court would exonerate him.
