I’ll be a lawyer for the Kenyan people, says AG nominee Dorcas Oduor

Attorney General nominee Dorcas Oduor has pledged to be responsive in her approach and that she will serve as a lawyer for the people of Kenya if approved for the position. On Friday, when she appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments, Oduor emphasised her commitment to upholding the vision of Kenya's Constitution.

"I hope the office of the Attorney General will walk with all the people of Kenya in realising our aspirations under the constitution," Oduor said.

She stressed her dedication to actualising the provisions of the Constitution, including protecting the public interest and ensuring accountability.

"I envision being an Attorney General who will actualise the vision set out for the role under the Constitution. As the principal legal adviser to the government, I will represent the government adequately and efficiently, protect the public interest, uphold the rule of law, and safeguard human rights, good governance, and accountability," she added.

President William Ruto nominated Oduor to join his Cabinet after he dismissed the previous one. If confirmed, she will become the first Kenyan female Attorney General, succeeding Justin Muturi, who was appointed the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service.

Oduor, an advocate of the Kenya High Court, holds a Master of Arts degree in International Conflict Management, a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from the University of Nairobi, and a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law. She is currently serving as the Secretary of Public Prosecutions in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

Throughout her career, Oduor has held various significant roles, including Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Head of the Economic, International, and Emerging Crimes Departments at the ODPP, Deputy Chief State Counsel, and State Counsel in the Department of Public Prosecutions at the then Office of the Attorney General.

Her extensive experience includes serving as the chairperson of the Board of Review on Mentally Insane (Criminal Psychiatric), assisting counsel for the Akiwumi Commission of Inquiry into Tribal Clashes, and the Bosire Commission on the Goldenberg Affair. She also worked with the Kiruki Commission on the Artur brothers, the joint secretary for the Police Reform Commission (Ransley Commission), and the National Task Force on Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing, among other notable positions.

In her role as Attorney General, Oduor will be the government’s principal legal advisor, responsible for representing the national government in court and other legal proceedings. She will also discharge the functions of a Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Justice, promote human rights, implement the Constitution, and enhance access to justice through legal aid, good governance, anti-corruption strategies, ethics, integrity, legal education, and law reform.

Oduor will provide policy coordination and oversight for various legal sector institutions, thereby supporting their strengthening. She will review and oversee legal matters related to the public trust and the administration of estates and trusts. Her responsibilities will include negotiating, drafting, and vetting local and international instruments, treaties, and agreements involving the government and its institutions.

As Attorney General, Oduor aims to promote the rule of law and defend the public interest.

"My goal is to ensure that the office of the Attorney General upholds the highest standards of integrity and service to the people of Kenya," she concluded.