Attorney General Justin Muturi has revealed how critical decisions on his docket, such as senior officer appointments and bills introduced in Parliament, are taken without his approval.

Muturi said throughout his campaign for his office's independence that the Public Service Commission (PSC) has been appointing senior personnel in his office without his knowledge.

PHOTO | COURTESY Attorney General Justin Muturi

Muturi said on Tuesday, when appearing before the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) to justify his decision to change the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendment) Bill, 2023, that his workforce is demoralized, which has hampered service delivery at the State office.

The Bill, currently before the National Assembly, intends to create a board for the State Law Office, which is expected to increase its independence.

PHOTO | COURTESY Attorney General Justin Muturi

He informed the committee that many of his officials had resigned to pursue posts in other well-paying government organizations such as the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Judiciary, and Parliament.

While recounting how the PSC has consistently submitted names of officers assigned to him, some as recently as this year, Muturi emphasized the necessity for a board to be constituted to assist in appointing, promoting, and maintaining discipline among the personnel at the State Law Office.

Muturi also stated that he was not involved in the national government's Miscellaneous Amendment Bill, which is now being considered by the committee and wants to transfer the Court of Arms to the President's Office.

The statement prompted MPs to question whether the AG was being undermined and whether he was genuinely serving his role in the Kenyan kwanza administration.