Former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal faces a potential four-year prison sentence for conflict of interest following his conviction in a corruption case on Wednesday.
Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzioki, presiding over the case in Nairobi, announced the sentencing on Thursday.
Lenolkulal has the option to avoid jail time by paying a fine of Sh1 million.
In addition to the potential prison term, Lenolkulal was fined Sh83 million after being found guilty of illegally acquiring public property.
The prosecution had presented evidence that during his tenure, Lenolkulal used a proxy to supply petroleum products to the county.
Lenolkulal was convicted along with ten co-accused, who faced various charges including abuse of office, conflict of interest, and unlawful acquisition of public property.
Hesbon Ndathi, Lenolkulal’s proxy, was ordered to pay Sh83 million or serve eight years in prison.
Furthermore, the court has barred Lenolkulal from holding any public office for the next ten years.
Associates of Lenolkulal, who are mostly former county employees, received varying penalties. They are required to either pay Sh700,000 or serve a four-year prison term.
This group includes former County Secretary Stephen Letinina and former chief officers Daniel Nakuo, Josephine Lenasalia, Reuben Lemuneyete, and Milton Lenolngenje, as well as Geoffrey Kitewan, Paul Lolmingan, Lilian Balanga, and Bernard Lesurmat.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is also investigating an additional forty former and current county officials in connection with the loss of at least Sh100 billion.
