By Lerte Tellah – Samburu
The conviction of former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal for receiving Ksh 84 million in a fraudulent petroleum supply deal has sparked a heated debate across Kenya. Many are asking a crucial question: Does one need to be deeply connected to get away with fraud in this country? The verdict, delivered by Trial Magistrate Thomas Nzyoki, found Lenolkulal guilty of corruptly benefiting from public funds through his association with a proxy, Hesbon Ndathi. The ruling relied on overwhelming evidence, including over 200 payment vouchers and Local Purchase Orders (LPOs), pointing to Lenolkulal’s direct involvement in trading with the county—a blatant conflict of interest.
While some Kenyans welcomed this ruling as a step toward justice, others have expressed mixed reactions, particularly on social media. Some argue it is unfair to target only a few individuals when so many leaders are similarly embroiled in corruption. Is Kenya’s fight against corruption selective, or is it finally moving towards accountability for all?
It is no secret that Kenya’s political and economic systems have often been described as being run by an elite few with the right “connections.” Over the years, several high-profile cases involving billions of shillings in taxpayer money have ended with no meaningful accountability. The conviction of Lenolkulal, therefore, feels like an exception in a country where many public figures have faced allegations but rarely suffer consequences.
Critics argue that the justice system in Kenya is often skewed in favor of those with deeper political and economic networks. The glaring reality is that many individuals in positions of power are able to manipulate the system to their advantage, from delaying court proceedings to exerting influence over law enforcement. The ultimate beneficiaries are those who, unlike Lenolkulal, manage to fly under the radar or negotiate their way out of trouble.
The reaction on social media following Lenolkulal’s conviction has laid bare a troubling perception: that justice in Kenya is not only slow but selectively served. Some Kenyans are wondering why only a handful of individuals face prosecution while many others who have been implicated in corruption scandals continue to serve in public office.
There is a prevailing sentiment that the conviction of Lenolkulal might be a mere drop in the ocean of corruption that plagues Kenya. “Why convict one man when so many others continue to walk free?” asked a user on X (formerly Twitter). Others argue that the judgment serves as a warning that, while slow, the wheels of justice are turning, and more individuals will eventually be held accountable.
The Thin Line Between Justice and Selectivity
There is no doubt that corruption is a significant issue that undermines development, governance, and public trust in Kenya. The conviction of a former governor is certainly a step forward, but it raises a broader question about the consistency of justice.
Is Kenya’s legal system equipped to handle the complexities of deeply entrenched corruption? While some celebrate the conviction of Lenolkulal as a step toward a more accountable government, others worry that without systematic reforms, this case might be an isolated instance rather than a signal of genuine change.
Moving Beyond Connections to Accountability
For Kenya to genuinely tackle corruption, it must move beyond selective prosecutions. The judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and other anti-corruption agencies need to demonstrate impartiality and consistency in handling all cases of economic crime. Additionally, there must be political will from all quarters—irrespective of party or affiliation—to ensure that the law applies to everyone equally.
If anything, Lenolkulal’s case should be a starting point, not an endpoint. It should serve as a catalyst for more rigorous investigations and prosecutions of other leaders whose corrupt actions have gone unpunished. To eradicate the perception that connections, rather than innocence, determine one’s fate, the justice system must act without fear or favor.
The mixed reactions to Moses Lenolkulal’s conviction reveal a deep-seated skepticism about Kenya’s commitment to fighting corruption. If Kenya is to shed its reputation as a haven for the corrupt, it must demonstrate that the law applies to everyone, regardless of their connections or status. The road to justice must not be paved with favoritism but with fairness and equity for all.
As Kenyans, we must demand more from our leaders and our institutions. If the country is ever to achieve its development goals, it cannot afford to let corruption continue to rob its citizens of their future. The time for selective justice is over; what Kenya needs now is a sustained and genuine commitment to accountability.
