Blow to ex-Samburu governor Lenolkulal after DPP withdraws bid to drop his graft charges

The Director of Public Prosecutor (DPP) Noordin Haji has withdrawn his application that was seeking to drop the charges against former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal.

On Wednesday, Haji had applied to have the graft case against Lenolkulal withdrawn.

Senior assistant DPP Alexander Muteti told the court that they had filed an application for withdrawal of the matter but upon further consultation with Haji, they have decided to withdraw the application.

Muteti said the matters should proceed as earlier scheduled for a hearing.

Trial Magistrate Thomas Nzioki upon receiving communication by the DPP that the prosecution was willing to continue pursuing the matter, directed that the trial against Lenolkulal continue in January 2023.

Muteti had asked Haji to give valid reasons for the withdrawal of Lenolkulal’s corruption case before he (magistrate) could close the file.

Lenolkulal is facing allegations of embezzling Sh80 million belonging to the Samburu County Government when he was serving as governor.

In September 2019, EACC filed the petition on grounds that Oryx Service Station, a company allegedly registered under the governor’s name, received Sh80,715,000 in county funds between 2013 and 2018.

The anti-graft commission wanted to repossess the entire amount which it has since labelled as proceeds of crime.

“Prior to the institution of the suit, the commission froze Sh14 million and properties in Karen, Nairobi, purchased for Sh60 million which were determined to have been purchased with funds from the illegal contracts founded on conflict of interest,” EACC said in a statement.

He is among the 585 candidates shortlisted for the principal secretary jobs.