President William Ruto has nominated Dorcas Agik Oduor, a seasoned legal professional, for the position of Attorney General.
The announcement, made on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, signals a commitment to fortifying the legal framework of the nation amidst ongoing reforms.
Oduor, currently serving as Secretary of Public Prosecutions within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), brings over 30 years of legal experience in the public sector.
Her nomination marks a historic moment for Kenya, as she stands to become the first female Attorney General if approved by the National Assembly.
President Ruto’s office highlighted Oduor’s extensive contributions to the development of Kenyan law, praising her integrity, professional competence, and dedication to the rule of law.
“Senior Counsel Dorcas Oduor has demonstrated unimpeachable integrity, impressive professional competence, and steadfast commitment to the rule of law,” Felix K. Koskei, Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, said in a statement.
Oduor’s legal journey began with her admission to the bar as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya in 1992, following her attainment of a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LL.B) in 1990 and a postgraduate Diploma from the Kenya School of Law in 1991.
In addition to Oduor’s nomination, President Ruto announced the appointment of Beatrice Askul Moe as the Cabinet Secretary for East African Community Affairs (EAC) & Regional Development.
“These nominations reflect the President’s commitment to building a capable and inclusive Cabinet that can address the challenges facing our nation,” Koskei stated.
As Kenya continues to navigate its complex political and social landscape, the appointments of Dorcas Oduor and Beatrice Moe are poised to play pivotal roles in shaping the future of the country’s legal and regional development frameworks.
These two appointments mean Ruto’s list of Cabinet nominees is now complete.
According to the constitution, the Cabinet should be comprised of not fewer than 14 and not more than 22 Cabinet Secretaries.
Ruto had previously nominated 20 people to his cabinet, excluding the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi who was the only one spared when the president dismissed his cabinet on July 11, 2024.
They include:
1. Kithure Kindiki – Ministry of Interior and National Administration
2. Debra Fliongo Barasa – Ministry of Health
3. Alice Wahome – Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development
4. Julius Migos Ogamba – Ministry of Education
5. Roselinda Soipan Tuiya – Ministry of Defence
6. Andrew Mwihia Karanja – Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development
7. Aden Barre Duale – Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry
8. Eric Murugu Muiga – Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation
9. Davis Chirchir, EGH – Ministry of Roads and Transport
10. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u – Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy
11. John Mbadi Ng’ongo – The National Treasury and Economic Planning
12. Salim Mvurya Mgala – Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry
13. Rebecca Miano – Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife
14. James Opiyo Wandayi – Ministry of Energy and Petroleum
15. Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen – Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports
16. Hassan Ali Joho – Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs
17. Alfred Nganga Mutua – Ministry of Labour and Social Protection
18. Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya – Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development
19. Justin Bedan Muturi – Ministry of Public Service and Human Capital Development
20. Stella Soi Lang’at – Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage