Relief for Samburu Governor as court reduces bond to Sh10 million

Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal is escorted by officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission after interrogation. [Jonah Onyango/Standard]

Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal yesterday got a reprieve after his hefty bond terms were reduced.

Justice Mumbi Ngugi ruled that the governor be released on Sh10 million cash bail, saying the Sh100 million bail granted by a magistrate's court on Tuesday was "excessive".

Lenolkulal has been accused of engaging in corruption, leading to the loss of Sh84 million from his administration.

“At any rate given the nature and circumstances of the case and the penalty provided in law, I find that the bond terms imposed are excessive and may well amount to a denial of bail. It has not been demonstrated that he is a flight risk to warrant such hefty bond terms,” ruled Ngugi.

The judge ruled that it was not fair that even after the court barred the governor from accessing his offices in Samburu, the magistrate still granted the high amount, which amounted to denying him freedom before trial.

She also reduced the Sh150 million bond, to Sh30 million with a surety of the same amount. However, the orders stopping the governor's access to his office remain in force.