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No money lost in Sh84m graft case, Lenolkulal's ex-staff tells court

Says due process was followed and the fuel was supplied and consumed

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by Tabnacha Odeny

News30 January 2024 - 12:09
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In Summary


  • He has been charged alongside former governor Moses Lenolkulal over the alleged loss of Sh84 million.
  • He denied claims of improperly conferring a benefit of Sh19 million on Lenolkulal.
Gavel

Former chief Finance Officer of Samburu County Government on Tuesday told the court that the county did not lose any money in its contract with Oryx Service Station for the supply of petroleum products.

Daniel Lenolkirina told Trial Magistrate Thomas Nzyuki that due process was followed and that the fuel was supplied and consumed.

Daniel is an accused person in the case.

He has been charged alongside former governor Moses Lenolkulal over the alleged loss of Sh84 million.

The county is said to have lost millions through the supply of fuel by Oryx Service Station linked to the governor and businessman Hesbon Ndathi.

They were in July last year found to have a case to answer and subsequently placed on their defence.

Only the head of procurement escaped the defence hearing after the court found that the state had not sufficiently proved his case. He was acquited.

In his defence, Daniel told the court that the acquittal of Geoffrey Kitewan only meant the procurement process was above board.

He said he approved the payments to Oryx and that the county got value for money.

He denied claims of improperly conferring a benefit of Sh19 million on Lenolkulal.

The former county chief on Monday gave his testimony distancing himself from the accusations levelled against him.

He told the court he was wrongfully prosecuted maintaining no money was lost.

He cited over 200 vouchers produced in court as evidence saying they were proof that the transactions between Oryx and the county were lawful and in order.

Lenolkulal was charged in 2019 with abuse of office and conflict of interest leading to the alleged loss of sh 84million.

He has been accused of using his company Oryx Service Station to supply petrol and diesel to the county.

The charge sheet indicates Lenolkulal 'knowingly acquired direct private interests in contracts between Oryx and Samburu for the supply of fuel.

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