NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal has been slapped with a mandatory fine of Sh83 million and an additional Sh2 million to avoid an eight-year prison term after being convicted of corruptly enriching himself during his tenure.
The sentencing, delivered by Magistrate Thomas Nzyoki, underscores the severity of the charges, which include conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of property.
Lenolkulal, who was accused of exploiting his position to channel public funds into personal accounts, was found guilty of breaching public trust.
Magistrate Nzyoki, in his ruling, highlighted the gravity of the offense, emphasizing that Lenolkulal’s actions were deliberate and violated principles of good governance.
“This case represents a blatant breach of public trust,” Nzyoki stated. “The acquisition of Sh83 million was a direct benefit to Lenolkulal and his associate, Hesbon Ndathi, with no justification for such dealings with the county.”
Ndathi, a proxy for Lenolkulal, has also been ordered to pay a mandatory fine of Sh83 million.
The court’s decision further disqualifies Lenolkulal from holding any public office for the next decade.
Magistrate Nzyoki emphasized that the sentencing was guided by the need for deterrence, retribution, and community protection.
“In corruption cases, the objectives of the law must be clear—deterrence, retribution, denunciation, and safeguarding the community,” he remarked.
Additionally, seven county officers, including Stephen Siringa, Daniel Nakuo, Josephine Naamo, Reuben Marumben, Milton Lenolngenje, Bernard Lesurmat, and Lilian Balanga, were fined Sh700,000 each, failing which they will face four-year prison sentences.
Despite the heavy penalties, Lenolkulal expressed his intention to appeal the ruling.
“I believe the truth will come out, and I will be exonerated,” he asserted.
The sentencing, delivered by Magistrate Thomas Nzyoki, underscores the severity of the charges, which include conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of property.
Lenolkulal, who was accused of exploiting his position to channel public funds into personal accounts, was found guilty of breaching public trust.
Magistrate Nzyoki, in his ruling, highlighted the gravity of the offense, emphasizing that Lenolkulal’s actions were deliberate and violated principles of good governance.
“This case represents a blatant breach of public trust,” Nzyoki stated. “The acquisition of Sh83 million was a direct benefit to Lenolkulal and his associate, Hesbon Ndathi, with no justification for such dealings with the county.”
Ndathi, a proxy for Lenolkulal, has also been ordered to pay a mandatory fine of Sh83 million.
The court’s decision further disqualifies Lenolkulal from holding any public office for the next decade.
Magistrate Nzyoki emphasized that the sentencing was guided by the need for deterrence, retribution, and community protection.
“In corruption cases, the objectives of the law must be clear—deterrence, retribution, denunciation, and safeguarding the community,” he remarked.
Additionally, seven county officers, including Stephen Siringa, Daniel Nakuo, Josephine Naamo, Reuben Marumben, Milton Lenolngenje, Bernard Lesurmat, and Lilian Balanga, were fined Sh700,000 each, failing which they will face four-year prison sentences.
Despite the heavy penalties, Lenolkulal expressed his intention to appeal the ruling.
“I believe the truth will come out, and I will be exonerated,” he asserted.
