List Of Attorney Generals In Kenya

The Attorney General of Kenya serves as the head of the Kenyan State Law Office and is the principal legal adviser to the government. This crucial role involves advising the Cabinet and ensuring that the rule of law is upheld in the country. The current Attorney General, Dorcas Agik Oduor, is notably the first woman to hold this esteemed position in Kenya.

The office of the Attorney General derives its mandate from Article 156 of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya, which designates the Attorney General as the primary legal adviser to the government. This role is pivotal in promoting, protecting, and upholding the rule of law and defending the public interest. The Office of the Attorney General Act No. 49 of 2012 outlines several key functions of the office, which include:

1. Advising Government Ministries, Departments, Constitutional Commissions, and State Corporations on legislative and other legal matters to ensure compliance with the law.
2. Negotiating, drafting, vetting, and interpreting local and international documents, agreements, and treaties on behalf of the Government and its agencies, ensuring that Kenya’s legal obligations are met.
3. Performing any other functions necessary for the effective discharge of the duties and powers of the Attorney General, which may include representing the government in legal proceedings. Below is a list of Attorneys General in Kenya since 1963.

List of Attorneys General in Kenya 

1. Charles Mugane Njonjo (1963–1979)
   As the first Attorney General of independent Kenya, Njonjo played a significant role in establishing the legal framework for the new nation and was a key figure in the political landscape during the early years of independence.
2. James B. Karugu (1980–1981)
   His tenure was marked by efforts to navigate the legal challenges of a changing political environment.
3. Joseph Kamere (1981–1983)
   Kamere focused on legal reforms and enhancing the capacity of the legal system during his short tenure.
4. Matthew Guy Muli (1983–1991)
   Muli’s administration saw significant developments in legal policy and practice, particularly concerning constitutional matters.
5. Amos Wako (1991–2011)
   Wako served for two decades, during which he became known for his advocacy for legal reforms and played a crucial role in drafting several key pieces of legislation.
6. Githu Muigai (2011–2018)
   Muigai’s term was characterized by his focus on human rights and access to justice, as well as his involvement in international law matters.
7. Paul Kihara Kariuki (2018–2022)
   Kihara’s tenure involved addressing legal issues related to governance and corruption, with an emphasis on legal accountability.
8. Justin Muturi (2022–2024)
   Muturi focused on enhancing legal frameworks to support national development and championing the rule of law.
9. Dorcas Agik Oduor (2024 – Present)
   Oduor’s appointment marks a historic moment in Kenya’s as the first woman to assume the office. She takes on the challenges of leading the State Law Office while promoting gender representation in high office.