Attorney General Dorcas Oduor addresses the press on May 29, 2025. PHOTO/HANDOUT
The AG's statement contradicts earlier claims by various leaders who suggested that the Public Seal was no longer under her custody, contrary to legal provisions.
Speaking on Thursday, May 29, 2025, Oduor clarified that the seal, which is used to stamp important government documents, making them legally binding, is domiciled in her office.
Addressing the press, the AG insisted that the seal has not been moved to the office of the Head of Public Service (HOPS), Felix Koskei.
"The custody of the Public Seal is clearly provided for by law, and that position remains unchanged. I am still in possession of the Seal, contrary to what has been reported in the media," Oduor stated.
She further emphasised that all arms of the government work collaboratively, seeking to dispel any rumours surrounding the custody of the key state instrument.
"As a government, we work together under the leadership
of the President, as a united team," she said.
The confusion began when Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura initially claimed that the Public Seal was in the custody of the HOPS, only to later retract his statement.
On May 19, Mwaura told journalists that the Seal was held by the HOPS. However, on May 22, he made a U-turn and clarified that it remains under the AG’s custody.
Mwaura explained that the confusion stemmed from a proposed amendment in the National Administration Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which sought to place the Public Seal under the HOPS.
The proposed law—ultimately defeated in Parliament—would have transferred custody of the Seal to the Head of Public Service.
“The Public Seal is actually under the custody of the Attorney General as per Article 9 of the Constitution. If you look at the Office of the Attorney General Act, Clause 2: Designation of Terms, it clearly confirms this,” Mwaura clarified.
Former Attorney General Justin Muturi had earlier raised concerns over the alleged transfer, warning that such a move could undermine legal oversight and accountability.
Muturi claimed that the proposed transition was being carried out quietly through the Bill to avoid public scrutiny, calling it a "recipe for disaster" for the country.
“If documents can be signed and bear the Public Seal without the AG’s legal advice, that is a serious issue. I’m sure they are avoiding accountability by transferring such authority to the HOPS office,” Muturi said.
