Attorney General (AG) Dorcas Oduor has clarified that she still holds the Public Seal, dismissing reports of a transfer. She addressed the issue on Thursday, stressing that the legal framework remains unchanged.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura had earlier claimed the seal had moved to the Office of the Head of Public Service (HOPS). His statement triggered concerns about the legality of such a shift. Many questioned whether the seal, a critical symbol for authenticating government documents, could be reassigned without constitutional backing.
Soon after, Mwaura retracted his remarks. He admitted the seal remains with the AG, as required by Article 9 of the Constitution. He blamed the confusion on a proposed amendment in the National Administration Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023. The bill sought to designate HOPS as the seal’s custodian.
AG Oduor firmly dismissed the rumors. She emphasized that the law remains intact and her office still controls the seal. “The custody of the Public Seal is clearly defined by law. I am still responsible for it, despite the misleading reports,” she stated.
She assured the public that the government functions as a united entity under President William Ruto. She urged against speculation that could distort facts.
Legal experts quickly weighed in. Former AG Justin Muturi had earlier warned that shifting custody could create accountability issues. He argued that documents bearing the Public Seal require oversight from the AG’s office to prevent misuse.
Meanwhile, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo dismissed claims of a transfer. He pointed out that Parliament rejected the proposed amendment. “The Public Seal remains with the AG. We ensured the intended mischief was removed, and Section 28 of the Act stands unchanged,” he affirmed.
