The Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched investigations over Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal's unexplained Ksh600 million assets.
Among the assets questioned involve four prime properties in Karen valued at a total of Ksh148.5 million, two luxury vehicles (Mercedes Sports CGI and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado valued at Ksh19 million) as well as alleged misuse of county funds amounting to Ksh536 million.
The commission has asked the governor to explain the source of money deposits and transfers in seven bank accounts, cost of acquisition of properties, supporting documents, transfer documents, lease documents and bank receipts for payments of every property.
The commission also sought for Lenolkulal to explain the particulars of his income including farming, rentals, businesses, and investments.
EACC CEO Twalib Mbarak noted that during the period in review, January 2013 and February 2019, the governor had acquired assets worth Ksh600 million despite his net salary being Ksh42.3 million.
"The commission... reasonably suspected that you engaged in corruption and economic crime having unexplained assets.
"You are hereby afforded a reasonable opportunity to explain in writing the disproportion between the assets concerned and your known legitimate sources of income within 14 days of receipt of this notice," Mbarak stated in a letter.
Lenolkulal, however, defended his assets and properties alleging malice in the investigations conducted by EACC.
Speaking to NTV, he stated that the Karen properties were purchased through a mortgage facility, which he admits he is still servicing. He noted that through the mortgage, his salary, and rental income, he was able to purchase the properties in Karen.
Further, he disputed the price tag attached to the luxury vehicles noting that he had traded some of his old cars and then topped up in order to acquire both vehicles. The governor also refuted claims of siphoning county funds into his bank account.
"I have been audited by Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and they have given me a clean bill of health. I am tax compliant and there is no trace of county money that has gone into my account," Lenolkulal stated.
This is not the first time the governor has been on the spot over abuse of office. In 2013, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Noordin Haji prosecuted Lenolkulal over alleged misuse of county funds. Haji claimed that the governor and an accomplice had shared a total of Ksh84 million meant for the county.
