PRESIDENT RUTO NOMINATES DORCAS ODUOR FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL, PAVING WAY FOR NATIONAL ASSEMBLY VETTING
President William Ruto announced Dorcas Oduor as Attorney General on Tuesday, a position that had been vacant following the reshuffle that saw Rebecca Miano move to the Tourism Ministry. The announcement was made by Felix Koskei, Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff.
On his part, Koskei indicated that the name of Oduor had already been forwarded to the National Assembly for vetting in accordance with constitutional stipulations.
“The President has transmitted the nominations for appointment to Cabinet to the National Assembly for consideration and approval in fulfillment of the legal requirements set out under our nation’s supreme law,” said Koskei. This is very important in making sure that the nomination process is still following the legal procedures and also allowing the process of thorough scrutiny in the National Assembly.
Dorcas Oduor is the current Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions and has an acclaimed legal background. She is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, holding a Master of Arts in International Conflict Management from the University of Nairobi, a Bachelor of Laws from the same, and a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.
The current role of Oduor is serving as Secretary of Prosecutions at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution.
She had held some very key positions, including Head of Economic, International, and Emerging Crimes Departments at ODPP, Deputy Chief State Counsel, and State Counsel at both ODPP and the former Office of the Attorney General. Oduor has also represented many commissions and agencies.
He has sat as the chairman of the Board of Review on Mentally Insane Criminal Psychiatric cases and assisted key commissions, including the Akiwumi Commission on Land Clashes and the Bosire Commission on the Goldenberg Affair.
This is what Oduor said following her nomination by the President: “I am greatly honored by the President’s nomination to serve, and I remain committed to upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law. If confirmed, I will spare no effort to ensure that the Office of the Attorney General functions at the highest level of integrity and efficiency.”
The Attorney General is a principal position in Kenya under Article 156 of the Constitution. The Attorney General acts as the chief legal adviser of the government to advise on matters affecting the country and represents the government in all legal suits. To be qualified, a candidate shall have the same qualification standards required for that of the Chief Justice: a law degree from a duly recognized and accredited university, at least 15 years experience as a superior court judge, and an impeccable moral character, integrity, and impartiality.
The term of office of the AG is capped at 10 years or until he reaches 70 years old, with an option for early retirement at age 65.
The role of an AG extends to representing the government in courts of law, among others, to ensure there is a rule of law. An AG can participate in civil cases before the court as an amicus curiae when the government is not party to the case, offering legal opinions to help make fair judicial decisions.
Similarly, he has the powers to delegate duties to other officers so that his office may perform its role effectively.
