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Haji lines up 60 witnesses to testify against Lenolkulal

Wednesday, October 9th, 2019 13:17 | By
Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal.

At least 60 prosecution witnesses will testify against Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal and his 13 co-accused in a case in which they face graft-related charges.

Appearing before chief magistrate Douglas Ogoti in a Nairobi court yesterday for a pretrial conference, Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji, through State Counsel Alexander Muteti, said the witnesses include three forensic analysts.

 The State will also rely on 205 documents, including bank statements, contracts and vouchers to prove its case.

Muteti said the prosecution had served the defence with the documentary evidence and witness statements.

Lenolkulal was arrested and arraigned in April and charged with four counts of abuse of office and conflict of interest leading to the loss of Sh84.6 million public funds, but he denied the charges.

He was released on Sh100 million cash bail. The court barred the governor from accessing his office until the case is heard and determined. Lenolkulal unsuccessfully appealed the order. 

Justice  Mumbi Ngugi, in a ruling, said she could not interfere with the decision of the trial court that set out conditions for bail.

Serious charges

She added that the governor and his co-accused face “serious” charges that warranted the conditions.

Lenolkulal is charged alongside his Deputy Julius Lawrence Leseeto, County Secretary Stephen Siringa Letinina and officials Danuel Nakuo Lenolkirina, Josephine Naamo Lenasalia and Reuben Marumben Lemunyete.

Others are Linus Milton Lenolngenje, Paul Lolmingani, Benard Ltarasi Lesurmat, Lililian Balanga , Andrew Ropilo Lanyasunya, David England Loosenge and Geofrey Barun Kitewan.

They are accused that between March 27, 2013 and March 25, 2019, at Maralal town within Samburu county, they conspired to commit an offence leading to the unlawful payment of Sh84,695,996,55 to Oryx Service Station, co-owned by the governor.

The governor is separately accused of trading with the county government through Oryx Service Station for the supply of fuel since 2013, sparking a conflict of interest.

 The case will be mentioned on Friday when the court will give directions on the hearing dates.

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