Kenya has appointed an Attorney General as a key advocate of law and promoter of good governance. Appointed by the president, he or she must meet certain requirements set out by Article 156 of its Constitution for appointment by Cabinet Secretaries as well as Attorneys General.
Karugu implemented changes that included reintroducing Kenya Law Reports publication and banning Chang’aa (an alcohol beverage known to cause blindness or even death in its consumers), while also upholding constitutional processes.
Qualifications
Kenya’s Attorney General is an integral component of Kenya’s executive branch and should possess a distinguished record in law, leadership, public policy development and legal reform implementation. They should be adept at managing complex issues quickly while working under pressure while having good relationships with both Parliament and Judiciary.
Additionally, an attorney general must be capable of providing efficient professional legal services while upholding and supporting human rights and democracy. They should uphold the Constitution’s principles while protecting citizens’ interests while safeguarding against external threats to defend the nation against external attacks.
Kenya’s current Attorney-General, Dorcas Oduor, boasts years of experience and is widely acknowledged as an authority on Kenyan law. She holds membership with both the Law Society of Kenya and Commonwealth Lawyers Association; additionally she boasts international connections. Oduor has received praise for her dedication to both her profession and Kenyan civil society.
Appointment process
Kenya’s Attorney General serves as its principal legal advisor and represents it in courts and other legal proceedings, fulfilling additional functions imposed by law or presidential decree. As part of Kenya’s Cabinet-level system with security of tenure provisions, an Attorney General may only be removed for criminal, unconstitutional or gross misconduct as assessed by a committee composed of 11 National Assembly members.
Dorcas Oduor was recently nominated by President William Ruto to replace Justin Muturi as Kenya’s Attorney General, earning praise from both him and President William Kenyatta for her extensive experience and commitment to public service. With more than three decades of legal practice under her belt and experience working at both State Law Office and Office of Director of Public Prosecutions.
Contrary to many government positions, the selection process for an Attorney-General is stringent and thorough. His or her office serves a vital function of maintaining public trust in our legal system by adhering to standards of judicial integrity, transparency, ethics and independence from political influence – so any possible appointments must undergo thorough vetting process first before being confirmed for employment.
Duties
Kenyan attorneys general are responsible for providing professional legal services to both the government and citizens, upholding constitutional principles while upholding human rights protection and democracy promotion. Furthermore, they often serve as advisors for various government ministries and constitutional commissions.
Attorney general is one of the nation’s most important roles and requires extensive education and experience. A successful AG should possess excellent communication and administrative abilities as well as having strong ties to Parliament and judiciary bodies.
As part of their role, attorneys general must also maintain independence from the national executive, which includes President and Cabinet Secretaries. The bill proposed for public comment reflects this by creating an Advisory Board which will promote collaboration and cohesive expertise within the Office of Attorney General. With nine members including six advocates onboard this body will allow a greater diversity among legal experts.
Requirements
The Attorney General serves as the primary legal advisor of the national government and promotes rule of law and public interest protection. Furthermore, their duties can include performing any functions assigned by either Act of Parliament or Presidential decree.
The incumbent of this office enjoys tenure security comparable to that of a Cabinet Secretary and can only be removed on grounds of criminality, unconstitutionality or gross misconduct.
Karugu, a graduate of Bowling Green State University (BGSU), boasts an impressive list of achievements. These range from babysitting future Olympic athlete Scott Hamilton and managing a successful coffee farm to fighting corruption and advocating for human rights. He holds strong beliefs in these causes.
Plaintiffs seek to prevent a breakdown of law and order in Kenya’s Tinet forest, where the government has threatened expulsion of their homes. A court will ultimately decide if this action violates their rights of free movement, property ownership and equality under law.