The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has urged the Anti-Corruption Court to impose mandatory sentences for former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal.
This appeal comes after Lenolkulal was found guilty of misappropriating Sh 83.3 million allocated for the supply of petroleum products to the Samburu County government.
Lenolkulal, who served as the governor of Samburu County for two terms, faced charges under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (ACECA).
The prosecution, led by state prosecutor Joseph Riungu, argued that Lenolkulal should be subjected to the maximum penalties provided by law for his offenses. These include two primary charges: unlawful acquisition of public property and conflict of interest.
The case revolves around allegations that Lenolkulal engaged in corrupt practices by directing the allocation of funds for the procurement of petroleum products in a manner that benefited him personally or otherwise compromised the integrity of the procurement process.
The substantial sum of Sh 83.3 million was reportedly misappropriated, sparking a significant investigation into the former governor’s financial dealings.
In addition to the mandatory fines associated with the charges, the DPP has sought a further punitive measure: a ten-year disqualification from holding any public office for Lenolkulal and nine others implicated in the case.
This disqualification would prevent them from being elected to or appointed to any public position for a decade following their conviction, reflecting the severity of the offenses and the commitment to preventing future corruption.
The court proceedings are being overseen by Milimani Magistrate Thomas Nzyoki, who will make a final determination on the sentencing based on the DPP’s recommendations and the evidence presented during the trial.
The sentence to be imposed is expected to set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future and could have broad implications for the political landscape in Kenya.
This case is particularly notable as it marks a significant development in Kenya’s anti-corruption efforts, with Lenolkulal becoming one of the first county governors in the country to be convicted on graft charges.
The outcome of this case could influence how other corruption investigations and prosecutions are approached, and it sends a strong message about the judiciary’s resolve to tackle corruption at all levels of government.
