President William Ruto on Tuesday, August 20, presided over the swearing-in ceremony of Attorney General Dorcas Oduor and Cabinet Secretary for East African Community Affairs and Regional Development, Beatrice Askul, at State House, Nairobi.
The appointments mark a historic moment for Kenya, particularly with Oduor becoming the country’s first female Attorney General.
During the ceremony, President Ruto extended his heartfelt congratulations to both women, expressing confidence in their abilities to fulfil their new roles effectively.
He emphasized that their appointments were based on merit and competence, rather than gender.
“This appointment is not about you being a woman, it’s about you being competent and on account of confidence and the ability to deliver. You deserve to serve in this position and I am very confident and clear that you will not only make us as a country proud, but you will also demonstrate what has always been said—what a man can do, maybe a woman can do better,” President Ruto stated.
Oduor succeeds Justin Muturi as Attorney General, taking on a role that Ruto highlighted as crucial during this “critical moment” in the nation’s history.
The President urged Oduor to familiarize herself thoroughly with the manifesto that brought the government to power, noting that her office has been lagging in modernization and reform compared to the Judiciary.
“The office of the Attorney General has been left behind in the modernization and reform process. The Judiciary is well ahead in terms of capacities that are necessary for that office to discharge its advisory role and legal mandate to the government and people of Kenya,” Ruto said.
He also took the opportunity to commend Oduor’s predecessor, Justin Muturi, for his efforts in ensuring the office functioned efficiently, stating that Muturi had done a commendable job.
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Beatrice Askul, who takes over from Peninah Malonza as the Cabinet Secretary for East African Community Affairs and Regional Development, was also acknowledged for the significant responsibility she now holds.
President Ruto reminded Askul that her role extends beyond serving Kenya alone, as she will be working closely with other nations within the East African Community.
“You have a responsibility not just to us as Kenya but to our brothers and sisters in the East African Community as well,” Ruto remarked, emphasizing the importance of her role in fostering regional integration and development.
