From Trailblazer to Convict: The Rise and Fall of Samburu’s First Governor Moses Lenolkulal
Moses Lenolkulal gained prominence in 2013 as Samburu’s first governor, only to later make headlines as the inaugural county leader prosecuted for graft.
Kenyan politics is often defined by the meteoric rise and fall of figures like Moses Lenolkulal, the former two-term Governor.
Once seen as a symbol of governance reform and youth leadership, Lenolkulal now stands as a cautionary tale, marked by his recent conviction on corruption charges.
Though his leadership wasn’t marred by frequent scandals, his involvement in a graft case has cast a shadow over his promising career.
Born and educated in Samburu, Lenolkulal’s academic journey began at Poro Primary School and Kirisia Secondary School in Maralal town.
He later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Egerton University in the late 1990s.
In 2021, he furthered his education with a Master’s in Public Policy Management from Strathmore University School of Business.
His academic credentials, coupled with a deep understanding of Samburu’s challenges, naturally led him to a career in NGOs, where he worked to uplift marginalized communities in northern Kenya.
Lenolkulal built a reputation within various NGOs, focusing on development, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment in Samburu.
He eventually left the NGO sector to run for governor in the 2013 General Election, triumphing over established politicians like Dr. Michael Lolwerikoi and Stephen Lekupe.
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During his campaign, Lenolkulal, known locally as MK, positioned himself as a true ‘son of the soil,’ attuned to the county’s persistent issues like climate change and insecurity.
At 37, Lenolkulal became the first and one of the youngest governors in Samburu, marking the dawn of devolution under the 2010 Constitution.
His election on a United Republican Party (URP) ticket symbolized a wave of change in a region rich in cultural heritage but beset by unique challenges.
His NGO background was viewed as a solid foundation for his new role, bringing a wealth of experience and resources to the county government.
Winning the gubernatorial seat on his first try, Lenolkulal found himself navigating the complexities of managing billions at a newly devolved county unit.
In the 2017 election, he secured a second term on a Jubilee Party ticket, with his administration lauded for initiatives in water access, infrastructure, and education.
These early successes solidified the belief in his ability to address Samburu’s distinct challenges, but his political career soon took a dramatic turn.
By 2021, allegations of corruption began to emerge, tainting his administration with claims of misappropriating Sh83 million through embezzlement and fraud.
The once-celebrated governor found himself at the center of a scandal that led to his historic conviction on graft charges.
Moses Kasaine Lenolkulal, the retired Governor of Samburu County, saw his downfall cemented when Anti-Corruption Court Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzyoki convicted him in a Sh83 million graft case.
As the Magistrate pronounced the verdict, Lenolkulal, once a powerful figure, sat dejectedly in the dock with 10 other convicts, his usual composure shattered.
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Court records reveal that he amassed multi-million-shilling assets, including high-end Nairobi properties, a hotel, and a petrol station in Maralal, mirroring his dramatic rise and fall.
In April 2019, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested Lenolkulal over Sh83.3 million fraud in Samburu, alongside nine other county officials.
Among the arrested were Lenolkulal’s county secretary, chief finance officer, former chief officer for the environment, and several others.
Then-Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji (now the National Intelligence Service boss) ordered their prosecution, linking them to a fuel-supply scandal involving Oryx Service Station, owned by Lenolkulal.
Haji stated that investigations uncovered the Governor’s illegal trading with the county government through Oryx Service Station between 2013 and 2019, pocketing over Sh83 million.
Subsequently, Lenolkulal was barred from accessing his office until the case was resolved.
During court proceedings, the EACC revealed that Lenolkulal owned no property in Nairobi before becoming governor in 2013, yet quickly accumulated significant investments during his tenure.
The EACC noted that while his official Maralal residence was poorly maintained and valued at less than Sh5 million, his private residence, valued at over Sh70 million, was rapidly developed.
Records show that Lenolkulal acquired his first Nairobi home near Carnivore Restaurant within his first year as governor.
The former governor then embarked on a real estate spree, acquiring high-end properties across the country, including a Sh300 million mansion in Karen Fair Acres.
Challenging the court’s decision barring him from office, Lenolkulal faced another setback when High Court Judge Mumbi Ngugi upheld the ruling.
Judge Ngugi argued that allowing an accused person to hold public office fosters corruption and undermines integrity, referencing Section 62(6) of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.
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This dealt a significant blow to Lenolkulal, as the ruling emphasized the importance of ‘political hygiene’ and constitutional integrity in governance.
On Wednesday, Lenolkulal made history as the first former governor convicted in a corruption case since the advent of devolution, found guilty of conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of public property.
The EACC hailed the ruling as a “monumental” victory in the fight against corruption in Kenya.
“This is the first criminal corruption case involving a governor to reach its logical conclusion despite earlier attempts to withdraw it,” said EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi.
The other nine senior officials, including the County Secretary, six Chief Officers, a Deputy Director of Education, and the Head of Supply Chain Management, were also convicted of abuse of office.
In a ruling delivered on August 28, Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzyoki found Lenolkulal guilty on count three of conflict of interest and on count four of unlawfully acquiring Sh83,345,255 through Oryx Filling Station.
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The remaining eight accused were convicted of abuse of office, including former County Secretary Stephen Letinina and Chief Officers Daniel Lenolkirna, Josephine Lenasalia, Reuben Lemunyete, Paul Lolmingani, Benard Lesurmat, and Lilian Balanga, along with former Deputy Director of Education Linus Lenolngenje and Head of Supply Chain Geoffrey Kitewan.
Lenolkulal’s conviction sparked mixed reactions across Samburu, with some residents hailing it as a crucial victory against graft.
“It’s clear money was lost, and the court confirmed it. Let this be a warning to current leaders,” said Stella Nasieku, a resident.
However, Lenolkulal’s supporters expressed outrage, claiming the former governor was unfairly targeted for “unknown” reasons.
“If he looted, he’s not the only one in Kenya. Why are others who looted more still free? There might be unknown reasons, and it’s unfair,” said James Lekempe.
From Trailblazer to Convict: The Rise and Fall of Samburu’s First Governor Moses Lenolkulal
