Former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal has been fined approximately Ksh.85 million after being found guilty of corruptly receiving Ksh.84 million in public funds. Lenolkulal, along with 10 co-accused individuals, was convicted on various charges, including abuse of office, conflict of interest, and unlawful acquisition of public property.
Hesbon Ndathi, Lenolkulal's former associate, was also convicted and fined Ksh.83 million or sentenced to 8 years in prison.
In his ruling on Thursday evening, Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzioki sentenced Lenolkulal to pay a fine of Ksh.1 million or face four years in prison for the conflict of interest charge. Additionally, Lenolkulal and his co-accused were ordered to pay Ksh.1 million each or serve four years in jail for the unlawful acquisition of public property. Lenolkulal was further fined Ksh.83.4 million for the unlawful allocation of public funds.
Did you read this?
Beyond the fines and prison sentences, Lenolkulal was also barred from holding any elective office for 10 years. The other convicted individuals, who were former county officials, received lighter penalties, with each being fined Ksh.700,000 or sentenced to four years in prison.
These officials include former County Secretary Stephen Letinina, and former chief officers Daniel Nakuo, Josephine Lenasalia, Reuben Lemuneyete, Milton Lenolngenje, along with Geoffrey Kitewan, Paul Lolmingan, Lilian Balanga, and Bernard Lesurmat.
Meanwhile, 40 other current and former county officials are under investigation for allegedly embezzling over Ksh.100 billion.
