Former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal has been released from custody barely a day after the court sentenced him to serve years in jail over corruption case.
According to reports, the Kibera Law Court released the embattled Former Samburu Governor after he together with hid co-accused submitted an appeal on Friday over the ruling made on Thursday.
Presiding Judge Diana Kavedza who certified the matter as urgent ruled that Moses Lenolkulal and Hesborn Ndathi be released on a Ksh.10M bond pending the appeal hearing.
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This comes after Lenolkulal was fined Ksh.85 million while Ndathi was fined Ksh.83 million, or in default serve 8-year jail sentences on a case filed against them over tender allocation during their term in office.
Immediately the ruling was made, the duo moved to appeal on nine grounds listed in their sworn affidavit through their counsel Isaac Rene forcing the Presiding Judge Diana Kavedza to list the matter as urgent.
They further requested to be released on bail, arguing that their appeal has overwhelming chances of success. This includes health concerns of the former Governor if sent to jail.
Among the key arguments presented was the assertion that the trial magistrate erred in law and fact by failing to acknowledge that the County Government of Samburu received value for its money in the procurement of goods.
Also, the duo claims that they had declared their interest in the involved company, Oryx Service Station that was listed to be a beneficiary of the tender, hence the conflict of interest by the duo.
The appellants also cited health concerns, with Lenolkulal claiming that his hypertension could worsen if confined to jail, and Ndathi stating that his Type 2 diabetes, complicated by peripheral neuropathy, would pose grave danger to his life if detained.
The judge found that the appeal raised significant and arguable questions of both law and fact, which could potentially overturn the trial court’s findings. However, the health concerns was dismissed as it can be managed in a prison facility.
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Moses Lenolkulal and Hesborn Ndathi were also ordered to surrender their passports and other travel documents to the court as they await the mentioning of their case on October 31, 2024, for further directions.