Samburu governor pleads with court to review bail before he ‘starves’ in prison

Governor Lenolkulal is accused of irregularly obtaining Ksh.84.7 million by supplying fuel to the Samburu County Government through his fuel company, Oryx Service Station between March 27, 2013 and March 25, 2019.

“Between March 27, 2013 and March 25, 2019, at Samburu County, being the Governor of Samburu County Government, you used your office to improperly confer upon yourself a benefit of Ksh.84,695,996.55 through Oryx Service Station, a business entity owned by yourself, through the supply of fuel to Samburu County Government,” read the charge sheet.

The court granted his request to be released on bail but on tough conditions, which have left him staring at tough times considering his assets — including bank accounts — have since been frozen.

It remains to be seen whether he will afford to pay the bail/bond to secure his release.

In addition to the Ksh.100 million cash bail or bond of Ksh.150 million, Magistrate Ogoti barred Governor Lenolkulal from accessing the Samburu county government offices until the case is heard and determined.

He was charged with conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption, abuse of office, conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of public property contrary to the law, charges to which he pleaded not guilty.

Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal is still being held at the Industrial Area Remand Prison after he was unable to raise the Ksh.100million cash bail set on Tuesday.

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The embattled Governor filed for a review of the bail amount at the High Court Anti Corruption Division on Wednesday morning.

“My Lord the accused is greatly aggrieved by the said terms which are completely outrageous and unprecedented. It goes against the bail and bond policy, specifically that the bond amount should not be excessive and should not be greater than necessary to guarantee that the accused persons will appear in court,” lawyer Paul Nyamodi said.

Image result for industrial area remand prison

The advocate further assured the court that his client does not pose a flight risk because of his capacity as the Samburu Governor.

Sources however indicate that the Director of Public Prosecution is yet to be served with the applicable documents for review.

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