Attorney General Dorcas Oduor and East African Community and Regional Affairs cabinet secretary (CS) Beatrice Askul were sworn in on Tuesday August 20, 2024 at State House, Nairobi.

The swearing in was witnessed by President William Ruto, who emphasized that CS Beatrice Askul has a broader role beyond Kenya.

He noted that Askul’s responsibilities will also involve serving as an ex-officio member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), impacting all partner States.

Speaking after Askul’s oath of office at State House in Nairobi, Ruto expressed his confidence in her leadership abilities, drawing on their 20-year relationship.

Ruto stressed that significant expectations are placed on Askul and her EAC counterparts.

He underscored the importance of the EAC as Kenya’s largest market and one of the most progressive regional blocs in Africa.

Roles of CS Askul

According to the president, Askul will play a crucial role in unlocking business opportunities, fostering investment, and advancing the collective potential of the 300 million people in the East African Community region.

Beatrice Askul is among five Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) officials who stepped down from their party roles to assume Cabinet positions.

Meanwhile other officials who stepped down from ODM include; Hassan Joho (Mining), John Mbadi (National Treasury), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy).

This happened after National Assembly Committee on Appointments gave the green light to Dorcas Oduor’s nomination as Kenya’s first female Attorney General, succeeding Justin Muturi.