By Reuben Musonik
The Dispatch Digital, Nairobi
Former Samburu Governor Moses Kasaine Lenolkulal and eight former county officials have been convicted by the Nairobi Anti-Corruption Court in a historic ruling on corruption charges. Lenolkulal, along with businessman Hesbon Jack Wachira, was found guilty of unlawfully acquiring Ksh. 83.3 million between 2015 and 2019 through fraudulent fuel supply contracts with the Samburu County government.
Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzyioka, presiding over the case, ruled that the evidence presented by the prosecution—including testimony from eleven witnesses—was compelling enough to convict the accused. Lenolkulal, who also owns Oryx Service Station, was found to have a conflict of interest during his tenure as governor for awarding county contracts to his own business. This not only violated procurement laws but also resulted in the illegal acquisition of public property.
Fines and Penalties
Lenolkulal was slapped with a fine of Ksh. 83.4 million—equivalent to twice the amount he unlawfully obtained. The court further barred him from vying for any public office for the next 10 years, sending a strong message about the consequences of abusing public trust. In addition, his co-accused—eight former county officers—were each fined Ksh. 1 million or sentenced to four years in prison.
The eight convicted officers include:
- Stephen Siringa Letinina (County Secretary)
- Daniel Nakuo Lenolkirina (Chief Officer of Finance)
- Josephine Naamo Lenasalia (Chief Officer of Environment & Natural Resources)
- Reuben Marumben Lemunyete (Chief Officer of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries)
- Linus Milton Lenolngenje (Chief Officer of Education)
- Paul Lolmingani (Chief Officer of Transport and Public Works)
- Benard Ltarasi Lesurmat (Chief Officer of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development)
- Lilian Balanga (Chief Officer of Gender, Culture, Social Services)
These officers were convicted of abuse of office, in violation of Kenya’s Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003.
Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz
The conviction has sparked a significant amount of conversation on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter). Many Kenyans have expressed satisfaction with the ruling, praising the judiciary for taking a firm stance against corruption. Public opinion suggests that this case could signal the beginning of a tougher approach to holding public officials accountable for misuse of office and public resources.
Broader Implications for Governance
This landmark ruling sets a precedent for future high-profile graft cases in Kenya. Lenolkulal’s case demonstrates the critical need for transparency in the management of public funds, particularly in county governments. His conviction, along with that of the other county officials, highlights the importance of stringent procurement processes and robust oversight to prevent such abuses in the future.
