Ex-Samburu governor Lenolkulal, 10 co-accused convicted in Ksh.83M graft case

This is the first time a sitting or former Kenyan governor has been convicted by the Anti-Corruption Court.

Lenolkulal was found guilty of using his company, Oryx Service Station, to supply fuel to the Samburu County Government, creating a clear conflict of interest.

The court found that the former governor orchestrated these transactions through a proxy, Hesbon Wachira, who has also been convicted of illegally acquiring public property.

The court rejected the defence's claims that no money was lost, emphasising the gravity of the corruption.

The prosecution's case was based on the testimony of 11 witnesses and 388 documentary exhibits, all of which pointed to a systematic misuse of public funds.

Lenolkulal, along with ten other co-accused, was discovered to have manipulated public resources for personal gain. Other former county officers charged alongside the governor were found guilty of abuse of office.

Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzioki, who presided over the case, determined that there was sufficient evidence to prove Kasaine and his co-accused's guilt.

"After considering the submissions of all the parties, I arrive at the conclusion that the prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt," ruled Magistrate Thomas Nzioki.

"I find Moses Lenolkulal and 11 accused persons jointly guilty, and I convict  each one of you for public acquisition of public property."