Moses Kasaine Lenolkulal, the former Governor of Samburu County, has been ordered to pay a hefty fine of Ksh 83 million after being convicted of corruptly acquiring public funds during his tenure.
In a ruling delivered by Magistrate Thomas Nzyoki, Lenolkulal now faces a stark choice: pay the mandated fine or face eight years in prison, should he fail to comply.
In addition to the financial penalty, Lenolkulal has been disqualified from holding any public office for the next ten years. The ruling reflects the grave nature of the offenses, which include conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of public money.
The trial magistrate stated that he imposed the heavy sentence taking into account the mitigating circumstances presented by the accused.
However, he emphasized the need for deterrence, retribution, and community protection in corruption cases, asserting that the former governor’s actions represented a serious breach of public trust.
“There was no excuse for him to trade with the county,” Magistrate Nzyoki remarked, identifying the Ksh 83 million as illicitly gained benefits that enriched Lenolkulal and his proxy, Hesbon Ndathi, who was also fined Ksh 83 million.
Other county officials involved in the case were not spared; they were fined Ksh 700,000 each, with a default sentence of four years in prison for those unable to pay.
The officials affected include Stephen Siringa, Daniel Nakuo, Josephine Naamo, Reuben Marumben, Milton Lenolngenje, Bernard Lesurmat, and Lilian Balanga.
In response to his conviction, Lenolkulal has expressed intentions to appeal the ruling, asserting his belief that he will be exonerated in the High Court.
