President William Ruto today nominated Dorcas Oduor to the position of Attorney General replacing Justin Muturi who was recently nominated as Public Service Cabinet Secretary.
She currently serves as Secretary of Public Prosecutions at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
Dorcas Oduor in her career as a jurist, contributed immensely to the development of law in Kenya through litigation, draughtsman, and legal advisories.
If her nomination is approved by parliamentarians, she will be the first female Attorney General in Kenyan history. Her nomination comes hardly two weeks after President Ruto nominated the former Trade Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano to the same position.
President Ruto would however recall Miano’s nomination as AG and subsequently proceeded to nominate her as Tourism Cabinet Secretary.
Oduor was named alongside Beatrice Askul Moe who was nominated to the position of Cabinet Secretary for East African Community Affairs (EAC) & Regional Development.
President Ruto’s decision to nominate the duo came weeks after he vowed to form an inclusive government which he termed as broad-based.
Among those who were also nominated to the new-look government were 4 Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) senior leaders. They included; John Mbadi (Treasury), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum) Ali Hassan Joho (Mining & Blue Economy) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Co-operatives and MSMEs).
The announcement signals a commitment to fortifying the legal framework of the nation amidst ongoing reforms by Ruto which came after bloody anti-government demonstrations led mostly by Gen Z.
Oduor is relatively new to many Kenyans even though she has been working in the public service for many years.
Prior to her nomination as the Attorney General, not so many people knew about Oduor. Here are a few facts about the new Attorney General:
- Trailblazing career in public prosecutions
Dorcas Agik Oduor has spent over three decades in the public sector, carving out a distinguished career within Kenya’s legal framework.
Her role has seen her contribute significantly to high-profile cases and reforms within the Kenyan judiciary, showcasing her legal acumen and dedication to justice.
- Kenya’s first female Attorney General
If confirmed by the National Assembly, Dorcas Oduor will make history as Kenya’s first female Attorney General.
This nomination represents a milestone in the country’s legal and political spheres, reflecting a broader trend towards gender inclusivity and empowerment within high-ranking government positions.
- Her Extensive educational background
Oduor’s legal education is both comprehensive and prestigious. She earned her Bachelor of Laws degree (LL.B) in 1990, followed by a postgraduate diploma from the Kenya School of Law in 1991.
Her academic credentials laid a strong foundation for her subsequent career, equipping her with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex legal landscapes.
- An Advocate for legal reforms
Throughout her career, Oduor has been a vocal advocate for legal reforms in Kenya. She has been involved in numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and fairness of the Kenyan legal system.
Her work often emphasizes the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that legal processes serve the public interest effectively.
- Recognition for professional excellence
Dorcas Oduor’s professional excellence has not gone unnoticed.
She holds several honours and titles, including Senior Counsel (SC), Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS), and Order of the Golden Warrior (OGW).
These accolades are a testament to her significant contributions to the legal profession and her unwavering commitment to public service.
As Kenya awaits the National Assembly’s decision, these five facts about Dorcas Oduor highlight why her nomination as Attorney General is a noteworthy development in the country’s legal and political landscape.
Source: K24 Digital, Global African Times
