The High Court has granted bail to Moses Lenolkulal, the former governor of Samburu, and his associate, Hesbon Ndathi, pending their appeal agains sentence.
Justice Diana Kavedza approved the bail, highlighting that the corruption charges—amounting to Sh 83 million from the Samburu County Government—did not involve personal violence and therefore did not pose a significant risk to society.
Both Lenolkulal and Ndathi are required to post a Sh 10 million bond each and provide a surety of the same amount.
Additionally, they must surrender their passports and travel documents as part of their bail conditions.
This decision follows an application for bail pending appeal that the two filed under certificate of urgency.
On August 28, 2024, the Chief Magistrate’s Court had sentenced Lenolkulal to 8 years in prison or an alternative fine of Sh 85.4 million for offenses related to conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of public property.
Ndathi received a one-year jail term or a fine of Sh 83 million for fraudulent acquisition of public property.
Magistrate Thomas Nzyoki delivered the sentences after finding that Lenolkulal and Ndathi had orchestrated a scheme to defraud the Samburu County Government in a petroleum supply tender.
The fraudulent activities, which took place from 2013 to 2019 during Lenolkulal’s tenure as governor, involved the use of his petrol station, ORLX.
The case mention is scheduled for October 31, 2024, where the Presiding Judge of the Milimani Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division will review the progress of the appeal and issue further instructions.
