NAIROBI, Kenya — Attorney General (AG) Dorcas Oduor has stated that the Public Seal remains under her custody, countering recent media reports and confusion sparked by contradictory government statements.
The Public Seal is a critical State instrument used to authenticate official documents on behalf of the government.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Oduor said the law is clear on the matter, and no changes have been made regarding the seal’s custodianship.
“The custody of the Public Seal is clearly provided for by law, and that position remains unchanged. I am still in custody of the Seal, contrary to what has been reported in the media,” she said.
The AG also sought to downplay speculation of internal government divisions, saying:
“As a government, we work together under the leadership of the President, as a united team.”
Her clarification follows remarks made by Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura, who initially claimed on May 19 that the seal was held by the Head of Public Service (HOPS), Felix Koskei.
Mwaura later reversed that position on May 22, confirming that the AG’s office retains custody, in line with Article 9 of the Constitution.
He attributed the confusion to a proposal in the National Administration Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which sought to transfer the seal’s custody to the HOPS.
“The Public Seal is actually under the custody of the Attorney General as per Article 9 of the Constitution… The Office of the Attorney General Act also affirms this,” Mwaura clarified.
The issue has sparked concern due to the seal’s constitutional importance in certifying official government actions.
Former AG Justin Muturi earlier warned that any quiet transfer of such authority could undermine legal oversight and public accountability.
“If documents can be signed and bear the Public Seal without the AG’s legal advice, that is a serious issue… It’s a recipe for disaster,” Muturi said.
