Dorcas Oduor, Kenya's first female Attorney General

Dorcas Oduor has made history as Kenya's first female Attorney General, a role previously held exclusively by men.  Her appointment marks a significant milestone, not just because she is a woman, but due to her extensive experience and competence in the legal field. During her swearing-in ceremony at State House, President William Ruto expressed his confidence in her abilities, stating, "Many people have said you become the first woman in independent Kenya to become Attorney General. This appointment is not just about you being a woman; it’s about you being competent. I am very confident that you have the confidence and ability to deliver; you deserve to serve in this position. Ruto added: “I am very confident and clear that you will not only make us as a country proud but also you will demonstrate what has always been said that what a man can do, maybe a woman can do better. Many people will be watching.” Dorcas Oduor's legal career spans over three decades. She began in 1992 when she was admitted as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya. She initially served at the State Law Office, where she progressed to the position of Secretary of Public Prosecutions.  Following the 2010 Constitution's delinking of prosecution from the Attorney General's Office, she was appointed as Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in 2017. Throughout her career, Dorcas has handled numerous high-profile and complex cases and made significant contributions to policy formulation essential to upholding the rule of law.  During her vetting process for the Attorney General post, she emphasised her vast experience and understanding of the role's demands, stating, "I have gained extensive experience and expertise throughout that period. Not only have I been involved in many complex courtrooms and high-profile cases, but I’ve also made significant contributions to the formulation of policy and other protocols relevant to the rule of law." She acknowledged the enormity of the responsibility in the Attorney General's office, noting that the position "calls for far much more than just that of an advocate for one client."  Dorcas also highlighted that this historic moment marked "the first time for a Kenyan woman to be interviewed for this high office in the legal sector," adding, "I’m therefore under no illusion that should I be approved by this August house, much would be expected of me, both as a jurist and, more significantly, as a woman." Dorcas holds a Master of Arts in International Conflict Management, a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B), and a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.  She has previously served as the Head of the Economic, International, and Emerging Crimes Departments at the ODPP. Her appointment follows a line of notable male predecessors, including Charles Njonjo, Kenya's first Attorney General, and Amos Wako, who served the longest in this position.  Now, Dorcas Oduor steps into this prestigious role, bringing her wealth of knowledge and experience to serve the country at the highest legal level. Her appointment as Attorney General is not just a personal achievement but a milestone for Kenya, reflecting the growing recognition of women's roles in leadership positions.