Attorney General Justin Muturi. IMAGE| COURTESY
In Summary:
- Attorney General Justin Muturi raises concerns about crucial decisions in his office, such as senior officer appointments and Bill submissions to Parliament, being made without his consent.
- Muturi highlights demoralization among his staff due to Public Service Commission (PSC) appointments, affecting service implementation. He advocates for an independent board for the State law office.
Attorney General Justin Muturi has shed light on the sidelining of his office in vital decisions regarding appointments of senior officers and the submission of Bills to Parliament, without his involvement.
In a bid for his office to attain independence, Muturi disclosed that the Public Service Commission (PSC) has been appointing senior officers in his office without his knowledge.
During his appearance before the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) on Tuesday to defend the decision to amend the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendment) Bill, 2023, Muturi expressed how demoralized staff have impacted service delivery at the State office.
The Bill, currently under review by the National Assembly, aims to establish a board for the State law office, presumed to enhance its independence.
Muturi informed the committee about the resignation of many officers from his office to take up positions in other well-paying government entities like the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Judiciary, and Parliament.
While recounting instances of the PSC forwarding appointed officers’ names, some as recent as this year, Muturi emphasized the necessity for a board to assist in appointing, promoting, and upholding discipline within the State law office.
He stated, “I have nothing against those officers, but if positions within the AG’s office are filled by individuals who don’t work there, it hampers the growth prospects of those already employed.”
Muturi also expressed his lack of involvement in the national government’s Miscellaneous Amendment Bill, currently before the committee, which proposes moving the Court of Arms to the Office of the President.
“I haven’t heard about that one, I am hoping that in due time it will be communicated to us,” he remarked.
Muturi’s remarks prompted MPs to question whether he is being undermined and if he is effectively serving in the government.
“I just want to ask you AG, are you okay?” National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro inquired.
Muturi responded, “Everything is well with me, and there is no cause for alarm. It’s healthy and part of democracy when your advice is not heeded. Some might think it’s a war, but it isn’t.”