Dorcas Agik Oduor was recently appointed Kenya’s inaugural female attorney general. Her unquestionable integrity and outstanding professional competence have won praise from Kenyans alike, who applaud her as Kenya’s inaugural female AG. With more than three decades of legal expertise under her belt.
The Court consolidated Petitions filed by multiple parties, including two amici curiae: advocates for LGBTIQ rights and an organization which upholds Islamic values.
Who is Dorcas Oduor?
Dorcas Oduor is currently Attorney General for Kenya and holds both a Bachelor of Laws Degree and diploma from Kenya School of Law. Throughout her career as a prosecutor she has advocated for human rights and good governance.
Constitution and Attorney General Act provide for the role and functions of an Attorney General. He or she is appointed by the President, with approval by Parliament; unlike DPP who operate independently according to Article 157, who operate within national Executive framework while Attorney General functions more inherently as part of national Executive framework.
The Court consolidated both Petitions and accepted two amici curiae to represent two interested parties, including advocates of LGBTIQ rights, senators, trustees of Ummah Foundation (an NGO that promotes Islamic values), Kenyan Christian Professional Forum and Kenya Legal & Ethical Issues Network for HIV & AIDS.
Who is Justin Muturi?
Muturi is a seasoned legal practitioner and has served as Kenya’s Attorney General since 1997. A staunch proponent of Kenya’s constitutionally established separation of powers principle he believes it was created over time through careful debate.
Muturi passed his A Level exams with flying colours at Kanywambora School before enrolling at University of Nairobi Law School, studying alongside Moses Masika Wetangula, an accomplished Bungoma lawyer and current Senator who inspired Muturi to consider politics more seriously as part of his legal studies. Wetangula inspired Muturi to think more seriously about politics than ever before as an emerging law student.
Muturi and Ita were childhood friends who bonded over their shared love of football and music in a small rural village setting. After graduating law school together in 1998, Muturi began his political journey by contesting Siakago Constituency during a byelection held after Silas M’Njamiu Ita’s death and winning it byelections held for this seat; then later retained it during subsequent elections held after 2002.
Who is Martha Karugu?
She previously served on the Board of Kenya Power before she was appointed Cabinet Secretary for East African Community in Kenya – making history by becoming its first female Cabinet Secretary for East African Community. A strong advocate of gender equality, she has made notable contributions to Kenyan economic growth through various roles and business initiatives she has undertaken.
Article 156 of the Constitution and Office of Attorney General Act establish the role of the attorney general. He or she represents the national government in courts or other legal proceedings where it has an interest, while also acting to promote rule of law and protect public interests.
Karugu is the first female to ever be elected to this position at BGSU. As an alumna of this institution, she credits it with shaping both her character and ethics; particularly through its strict code of conduct that taught hard work and perseverance.
What is the role of the attorney general?
According to Article 156 of the Constitution and Office of the Attorney General Act, the Attorney-General serves as chief legal advisor of the Government. They represent it in any proceedings which it is involved with (both civil and criminal), promote the rule of law and defend public interests as required.
One of the AG’s primary duties is to ensure that government policies do not violate people’s rights, so any conscientious AG should raise such issues with President and, if unable to persuade Executive to change them, resign – as Cameron did recently with UK AG Jeremy Wright.
Instead of being chaired by the AG himself or herself, this proposed board would likely be led solely by him/herself; suggesting an increased uni- or unilateral advisory role from him or herself than anything collaborative. This development is particularly alarming given Africa’s calls for greater democracy and accountability when it comes to senior position appointments.