Maraga faults State over transfer of Public Seal from AG’s office
By Shaban Omar, May 27, 2025Former Chief Justice David Maraga (pictured) has criticised the government over the transfer of the public seal from the Office of the Attorney General to the Head of Public Service.
Maraga termed the move unconstitutional and a gateway to corruption.
The public seal is a constitutional symbol used to authenticate official state documents.
Traditionally, it has been under the custody of the Attorney General, who serves as the government’s principal legal advisor.
Speaking during a political meeting in Kwale County, Maraga said the shift undermines the AG’s constitutional role and compromises legal oversight on key government decisions.
“Recently, we heard that the public seal was moved from its traditional custodian from the AG’s office, to State House. That is a blatant violation of the Constitution,” Maraga said.
The retired CJ warned that transferring the seal strips the AG of the power to safeguard public interest in legal and procurement matters, thereby exposing the government to unchecked corruption.
According to Maraga, the seal’s relocation allows the executive to sign off on major government contracts and tenders without the AG’s involvement, a situation he described as illegal and dangerous.
“This is a calculated move to remove accountability from public offices. It opens the floodgates for misappropriation of funds and abuse of power,” he said.
He accused the government of taking advantage of citizens who are already burdened by the high cost of living by enabling a system that lacks transparency.
Maraga called on constitutional bodies and Kenyans to resist the move and protect the integrity of the country’s legal institutions.
He said the country cannot continue to operate with impunity since it is weakening the very institutions meant to protect Kenyans.
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