Moses Lenolkulal gained prominence in 2013 as Samburu’s first governor, only to later make headlines as the inaugural county leader prosecuted for graft.
Kenyan politics is often defined by the meteoric rise and fall of figures like Moses Lenolkulal, the former two-term Governor.
Once seen as a symbol of governance reform and youth leadership, Lenolkulal now stands as a cautionary tale, marked by his recent conviction on corruption charges.
Though his leadership wasn’t marred by frequent scandals, his involvement in a graft case has cast a shadow over his promising career.
Born and educated in Samburu, Lenolkulal’s academic journey began at Poro Primary School and Kirisia Secondary School in Maralal town.
He later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Egerton University in the late 1990s.
In 2021, he furthered his education with a Master’s in Public Policy Management from Strathmore University School of Business.
His academic credentials, coupled with a deep understanding of Samburu’s challenges, naturally led him to a career in NGOs, where he worked to uplift marginalized communities in northern Kenya.
Lenolkulal built a reputation within various NGOs, focusing on development, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment in Samburu.
He eventually left the NGO sector to run for governor in the 2013 General Election, triumphing over established politicians like Dr. Michael Lolwerikoi and Stephen Lekupe.
During his campaign, Lenolkulal, known locally as MK, positioned himself as a true ‘son of the soil,’ attuned to the county’s persistent issues like climate change and insecurity.
At 37, Lenolkulal became the first and one of the youngest governors in Samburu, marking the dawn of devolution under the 2010 Constitution.
His election on a United Republican Party (URP) ticket symbolized a wave of change in a region rich in cultural heritage but beset by unique challenges.
His NGO background was viewed as a solid foundation for his new role, bringing a wealth of experience and resources to the county government.
Winning the gubernatorial seat on his first try, Lenolkulal found himself navigating the complexities of managing billions at a newly devolved county unit.
In the 2017 election, he secured a second term on a Jubilee Party ticket, with his administration lauded for initiatives in water access, infrastructure, and education.
These early successes solidified the belief in his ability to address Samburu’s distinct challenges, but his political career soon took a dramatic turn.
By 2021, allegations of corruption began to emerge, tainting his administration with claims of misappropriating Sh83 million through embezzlement and fraud.
The once-celebrated governor found himself at the center of a scandal that led to his historic conviction on graft charges.
Moses Kasaine Lenolkulal, the retired Governor of Samburu County, saw his downfall cemented when Anti-Corruption Court Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzyoki convicted him in a Sh83 million graft case.
As the Magistrate pronounced the verdict, Lenolkulal, once a powerful figure, sat dejectedly in the dock with 10 other convicts, his usual composure shattered.
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