Former Chief Justice David Maraga has added his voice to the growing concerns about the location of Kenya’s public seal. This follows reports that the seal was recently moved from the office of the attorney general to the office of the head of public service.
The move has sparked public debate and raised alarm among legal experts and governance professionals who see it as a direct threat to the country’s legal and constitutional structure.
According to the Constitution, the public seal is supposed to be kept in the office of the attorney general, who is responsible for legal matters in the country. However, under President William Ruto’s administration, this has suddenly changed, creating confusion and suspicion about the real reasons behind the move.
Speaking on Monday, David Maraga warned that transferring the seal to the presidency’s inner circle is not just unconstitutional but also dangerous. He explained that the seal plays an important role in validating official government documents, including contracts and agreements.
Having the seal so close to the president, there is now a real risk that deals can be signed without proper legal oversight or public accountability. Maraga expressed worry that this shift will make it easier for corruption to happen, especially in the awarding of government contracts.
Without the normal checks and balances, corrupt officials could misuse the seal to commit the government to questionable deals that hurt ordinary Kenyans.
Other legal experts and public watchdogs have joined Maraga in criticizing the move. Many are concerned that having the seal outside the attorney general’s office removes a layer of legal protection that is necessary to keep the government in check.
They believe that the new arrangement opens the door for executive abuse of power, as the president’s close staff could now have control over a tool that is meant to be used only through a legal and transparent process.
This could include signing contracts for loans, foreign deals, and major government projects that lack proper approval or pose risks to public interest.The issue of the public seal is not just a technical matter, but a sign of how the current administration is handling power. Experts are calling for immediate action to correct this move and return the seal to its rightful place.
They argue that this is not just about following the law but about protecting the country from misuse of public resources. Many are urging civil society and oversight institutions to speak out and stop a dangerous trend that could lead to serious consequences for the country if left unchecked.
