Rarieda MP and constitutional lawyer Otiende Amollo has raised concerns over recent claims suggesting that President William Ruto’s administration transferred the custody of Kenya’s public seal from the Attorney General to the Head of Public Service.
Amollo strongly disputed a Standard Group report that quoted several sources, including former Attorney General Justin Muturi, stating the seal had been moved to Felix Koskei’s office — Ruto’s Chief of Staff.
In his statement dated May 21, 2025, Amollo dismissed the claims, asserting that such a move lacks any legal foundation.
He clarified that Section 28 of the relevant law remains intact, stipulating that the Attorney General is the rightful custodian of the public seal.
He added that a proposal to amend this provision was indeed floated in Parliament but was rejected during deliberations.
“This is inaccurate reporting. There is no legal basis upon which the public seal can be removed from the AG,” Amollo said. “We removed the intended mischief. Section 28 of the Act remains unchanged.”
Despite Amollo’s position, the government maintains a different narrative.
In a recent press briefing, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura stated that the seal had indeed been transferred to the Office of the Head of Public Service.
Mwaura defended the move, arguing that the head of public service plays a central role in executing presidential directives and ensuring smooth government operations.
“Felix Koskei, as the Head of Public Service, holds the seal. He oversees the President’s directives and is committed to fighting corruption,” said Mwaura.
The development has triggered sharp criticism from both political leaders and legal experts.
Former Attorney General Justin Muturi warned that excluding the AG from the seal’s custody compromises legal oversight. He expressed fears that government documents could now be approved without proper legal vetting, potentially leading to unregulated or dubious decisions.
Echoing Muturi’s concerns, lawyer and ex-MP Gitobu Imanyara condemned the move, calling it a threat to the country’s legal order. “We are now living dangerously,” he said. “The seal could end up being used anywhere — even abroad — for personal interests.”
As the debate continues, it remains unclear whether the Executive will reverse the decision or face legal challenges in court. For now, the legality of the move and its implications on governance continue to spark heated public discourse.
By Kenyans