Attorney General Dorcas Oduor Affirms Custody of Public Seal Amid Conflicting Reports
NAIROBI, Kenya – May 29, 2025 — Attorney General Dorcas Oduor has firmly denied allegations that the Public Seal of Kenya has been transferred from her custody to that of the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei. Addressing members of the press on Thursday, Oduor clarified that she remains the official custodian of the national symbol, countering widespread media reports suggesting otherwise.
“The custody of the Public Seal is provided for by law, and that position remains unchanged. The Seal is still in my custody contrary to what has been reported in the media,” Oduor stated.
The Public Seal, a vital national symbol as set out in the Constitution, is used to authenticate critical government documents, including financial agreements, diplomatic treaties, and national contracts. It is one of Kenya’s most powerful legal instruments, signifying state approval and officialdom.
The controversy emerged following public claims by former Attorney General Justin Muturi, who alleged that the seal had been moved to bypass legal scrutiny. “If documents can be signed and bear the public seal without the AG’s legal advice, that is a serious issue. I’m sure that they are avoiding accountability by transferring such matters to the HOPS office,” Muturi was quoted as saying by The Standard.
Oduor, who was appointed during a recent cabinet reorganisation that included opposition members in a new broad-based government structure, also addressed allegations that she had been sidelined in key decisions. She dismissed the notion, affirming that all branches of government operate under a unified framework led by the President.
“As a government, we work together under the leadership of the President, as a united team,” she affirmed.
Further complicating the narrative, Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura initially stated on May 19 that the Public Seal had been moved to the office of the Head of Public Service. However, he reversed his statement on May 22, confirming that the seal remains with the Attorney General.
The Public Seal, as outlined in the Second Schedule and Part Nine of Chapter Two of the Constitution, is among Kenya’s primary national symbols, alongside the national flag, anthem, and coat of arms. It plays a critical role in governance, symbolizing the formal approval of state actions and agreements.
As speculation continues, Oduor’s remarks seek to reaffirm constitutional order and dispel uncertainty regarding the management of one of Kenya’s most consequential symbols of sovereignty.
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Attorney General Dorcas Oduor Affirms Custody of Public Seal Amid Conflicting Reports