Former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal is set to receive his sentencing today after being convicted of corruption on Wednesday.
Lenolkulal was found guilty of embezzling Sh84 million intended for the distribution of petroleum products during his tenure as governor.
In delivering the verdict, Judge Thomas Nzyoki emphasized that the evidence presented by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
Conclusively demonstrated that both Lenolkulal and his associate, Hesbon Ndathi, were the primary beneficiaries of the misappropriated public funds.
Judge Nzyoki noted that the evidence, including over 200 payment vouchers and Local Purchase Orders (LPOs),
Revealed that Lenolkulal was deeply entangled in conflicts of interest as the governor, compromising his role and integrity.
The judge criticized Lenolkulal for prioritizing personal gain over public service, stating that public officials are required to act with genuine dedication to their roles and adhere strictly to principles of good governance.
According to Nzyoki, it is legally prohibited for governors to engage in business transactions with their own county governments.
The court also condemned the county secretary, who was the second defendant in the case, for his involvement in approving payments despite knowing that Lenolkulal owned Oryx Service Center.
The secretary’s actions, including approving payments to Oryx, were deemed inappropriate and misleading.
Judge Nzyoki highlighted that the accounting office had lied under oath about not knowing Lenolkulal’s ownership of Oryx, criticizing the authorizations made to the service center.
The prosecution, led by Wesley Namache, presented compelling evidence showing that the co-accused had exploited their official positions to authorize the improper payments.
Charged in 2019 with abuse of office and conflict of interest, Lenolkulal’s actions resulted in a significant financial loss of Sh84 million.
The case revolves around his use of his company, Oryx Service Station, for the supply of petroleum products to the county, creating a clear conflict of interest.
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