Former Chief Justice David Maraga has vehemently criticised the National Government over reports of the transfer of the public seal from the Office of the Attorney General (AG) to the Office of the Head of Public Service at State House. Maraga described the move as unconstitutional and warned that it could pave the way for widespread corruption.
The public seal is a vital constitutional symbol used to authenticate official state documents. Traditionally, it has been safeguarded by the Attorney General, the government’s principal legal adviser. Maraga argued that transferring this responsibility undermines the AG’s constitutional mandate and weakens legal oversight of critical government decisions.
Speaking at a political rally in Kwale County during his presidential campaign tour, Maraga stated: “The relocation of the public seal from the AG’s office to State House is a clear violation of the Constitution.”
The former Chief Justice expressed concern that this shift removes the AG’s power to protect the public interest, particularly in matters of legal scrutiny and procurement processes. He warned that this could enable the executive to approve significant government contracts and tenders without the required involvement of the Attorney General, a development he described as illegal and perilous.
“This calculated move removes accountability from public offices and opens the floodgates for misappropriation of funds and abuse of power,” Maraga said.
He accused the government of exploiting citizens burdened by rising living costs and economic hardship through a system lacking transparency. He urged constitutional bodies and the Kenyan public to resist the move and safeguard the country’s legal institutions.
Maraga highlighted that the transfer of the public seal appears to be a deliberate attempt to bypass the Attorney General’s legal checks and balances.
The former Chief Justice also raised alarms about worsening corruption within public institutions, citing the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) as a recent example. He alleged that investigations into irregular procurement-process issues and the misappropriation of billions of shillings are ongoing at KPA, illustrating how state resources are being plundered.
Maraga decried the rampant theft of public funds through fraudulent tenders, which he said often benefit a few individuals without accountability.
As part of his presidential manifesto for the 2027 elections, Maraga pledged to bring about meaningful reform, promising an inclusive government where no individual would be above the law. “I am a man of principles and a law-abiding citizen. I will lead by example,” he declared.
He committed to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law, dismissing the culture of impunity and favouritism that plagues public service. “My government will not operate on the basis of ‘ati mkubwa amesema’. Everyone will be treated equally under the law and with respect for the Constitution of this great nation,” he affirmed.
In addition to his anti-corruption stance, Maraga promised to create job opportunities for the youth, empower women and persons with disabilities, and strengthen Kenya’s health and education systems.
