In a significant cabinet reshuffle, President William Ruto has nominated Rebecca Miano, the former Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry, to the position of Attorney General. This appointment is part of President Ruto’s broader initiative to create a new, transformative government focused on driving substantial changes across Kenya.
Rebecca Miano, who has previously held various significant roles, including the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, and Regional Development, brings a wealth of experience in corporate governance. Before her governmental roles, she was the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KENGEN), where she also served as the Legal Secretary.
Miano, aged 58, has been a public favorite and has gained President Ruto’s confidence through her leadership at the Trade docket. She is renowned for her extensive legal and corporate governance background, holding a Master of Laws in Corporate Law alongside her Bachelor of Laws. Miano is a registered Certified Public Secretary and a member of both the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya (ICPSK). Her leadership skills have been recognized with several awards, including the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya in 2010 and the Company Secretary of the Year award under the ICPSK Champions of Governance.
If approved, Miano will replace Justin Muturi, the former National Assembly Speaker and Attorney General. Muturi’s tenure as AG was marked by controversy, with allegations that his legal advice was often bypassed. Reports have suggested that during key government decisions, such as the deployment of the military during protests against the Finance Bill 2024, Muturi’s office was not consulted, which has stirred debate on the effectiveness and autonomy of the AG’s role under his leadership. Despite these challenges, Muturi has consistently denied any misadvisement.
Rebecca Miano’s nomination comes just after a sweeping dismissal of cabinet members by President Ruto on Thursday, July 11, with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi being the only member retained. Mudavadi is set to continue as the head of all ministries until the new cabinet is fully constituted.
This reshuffle and nomination signify President Ruto’s commitment to forming a cabinet that not only reflects the needs and aspirations of Kenyans but also enhances governance with experienced and capable leaders like Miano at the helm of legal affairs.
