Leaders allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua are demanding full disclosure of recent government agreements amid concerns over the custody of the national public seal. The leaders voiced their frustrations during a public gathering at Kairuri Grounds in Embu, accusing the Executive of undermining constitutional procedures.
The controversy began after Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura stated that the official seal of the Republic of Kenya, which authenticates all government agreements, had been moved from the Office of the Attorney General to the Office of the Head of Public Service. Mwaura later retracted the statement, citing confusion caused by a bill currently under parliamentary debate. However, the retraction did little to calm the rising political storm.
Traditionally, the Attorney General is the lawful custodian of the public seal. Its use is bound by legal scrutiny, ensuring that all government agreements comply with constitutional and legal standards. Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangwa underscored this role during his address, saying, “The seal belongs to the Attorney General. He reads the law, offers an opinion, and determines whether to apply the seal. If it is left to the President or another office, will they interpret the law? Won’t they just stamp it?”
Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji echoed similar sentiments, calling for a parliamentary inquiry. “I will take this matter to Parliament so we can determine whether the seal is indeed with the Head of Public Service. When did he acquire it? And how many stamps has he issued since then? We must know if Kenya is being mortgaged to foreign interests,” Mukunji declared.
The leaders argue that moving the seal away from the Attorney General’s oversight undermines the integrity and legality of government operations. They also expressed fear that such a move could be used to rubber-stamp questionable deals without proper scrutiny.
As political tensions rise, the opposition-aligned leaders are pressing for a transparent audit of all recent government agreements to ensure public interest has not been compromised. The issue is expected to dominate upcoming parliamentary sessions as the call for accountability gains momentum.
