I'll be the people's lawyer, says Attorney General nominee Dorcas Oduor

Attorney-General nominee Dorcas Agik Oduor before the Committee on Appointments at the Mini Chambers, County Hall. [(Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Attorney-General nominee Dorcas Agik Oduor has pledged to reform the criminal justice system by addressing the delays in court cases and providing timely legal advice to the government.

Facing questions from the National Assembly Appointments Committee on Friday, August 9, Oduor promised to be an advocate for Kenyans in the pursuit of justice and constitutional reforms.

"I will be a responsive Attorney-General and a lawyer for the people, and I hope the Office of the Attorney General will walk with all people. I envision being an Attorney General who will actualise the vision of an AG under the Constitution," she stated.

When asked about her vision for the AG’s office, Oduor, who has spent 30 years in the legal sector, stated that she will represent the government effectively, ensure the government does not lose any cases, and protect the public interest while upholding the rule of law.

The nominee acknowledged the significant responsibilities of the AG’s office and her readiness to tackle them if approved.

“I have gained extensive experience and expertise throughout my service. Not only have I been involved in many complex courtroom and high-profile cases, but I’ve also made significant contributions in formulating policy and other protocols relevant to the rule of law,” she explained.

Oduor defended her decision not to prosecute suspects of the 2007/08 post-election violence, responding to a question from Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohammed.

“I chaired a task force to examine the offenses committed. I applied the law as it was and contributed to the task force. Whatever was presented to the President was a result of that task force,” said the AG nominee.

Net Worth

She declared her net worth to be Sh85 million, including parcels of land, houses, and a car.

If approved by the House, Oduor will become Kenya's first woman Attorney General, succeeding Justin Muturi, who was reappointed as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service.

Oduor is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and holds a Master of Arts in International Conflict Management and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from the University of Nairobi, as well as a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.