Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) party leader Eugene Wamalwa has welcomed the sentencing of former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal after he was found guilty in a corruption case.
Wamalwa has warned serving governors from engaging in corruption and should learn from the fate that has befallen Lenolkulal.
“Corruption remains the greatest threat to devolution. May the conviction and sentencing of former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal act as a deterrence and reminder to Kenyan governors, who continue looting county coffers and enriching themselves at the expense of their fellow citizens, that they shall be held to account,” Wamalwa said in a post on X on Friday, August 30, 2024.
The former governor was fined approximately Ksh85 million following his conviction for unlawfully acquiring Ksh84 million from Samburu County coffers.
He was charged and found guilty of various charges, including abuse of office, conflict of interest, and unlawful acquisition of public property.
Conviction, fines
Lenolkulal was sentenced by Milimani Anticorruption Court Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzioka, who also directed the former Samburu governor and businessman Hesbon Jack Wachira to each pay a fine of Ksh 83,345,255, reflecting the amount unlawfully acquired from public funds. Should they fail to pay, they face an alternative sentence of four years in prison.
Lenolkulal was further ordered to pay a fine of Ksh1 million or, in default, serve another four years for the offence of conflict of interest.
Daniel Nakuo Lenolkirina, Josephine Naamo Lenasalia, Reuben Marumben Lemunyete, Linus Milton Lenolngenje, Paul Lolmingani, Benard Ltarasi Lesurmat, and Lilian Balanga were sentenced to pay a fine of Ksh700,000 each or serve four years imprisonment after they were convicted for the offence of abuse of office.
Additionally, the court disqualified Lenolkulal from holding any elective office for a period of 10 years.