Nairobi, Kenya — In a historic move, Dorcas Oduor has been appointed as Kenya’s first female Attorney General, a landmark achievement in the country’s legal history.
Her appointment, which took place during a swearing-in ceremony at State House, marks a significant milestone not only because she is a woman but also due to her extensive experience and profound competence in the legal field.
President William Ruto, who officiated at the ceremony, expressed his confidence in Oduor’s capabilities, 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.”
He further added, “I am very confident and clear that you will not only make us as a country proud but also 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 illustrious legal career spans over three decades. She began her journey in 1992, having been admitted as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
She started at the State Law Office, eventually rising to the position of Secretary of Public Prosecutions. Following the 2010 Constitution’s separation of prosecution from the Attorney General’s Office, she was appointed Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in 2017.
Throughout her career, Oduor has managed numerous high-profile and complex cases and contributed significantly to policy development crucial for upholding the rule of law.
During her vetting for the Attorney General role, she emphasized her extensive experience, 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 recognized the gravity of the Attorney General’s role, noting that it “calls for far much more than just that of an advocate for one client.”
Oduor also highlighted this historic moment as 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 Oduor 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 led the Economic, International, and Emerging Crimes Departments at the ODPP. Her appointment follows a distinguished line of male predecessors, including Charles Njonjo, Kenya’s first Attorney General, and Amos Wako, who served the longest in this role.
As she steps into this prestigious position, Dorcas Oduor brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the highest legal office in the country.
Her appointment represents not only a personal achievement but also a significant milestone for Kenya, reflecting the increasing recognition of women’s roles in leadership positions.
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