Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

Attorney General Dorcas Oduor’s swearing-in ceremony 10 months ago has stirred debate online, following remarks by former National Assembly speaker Justin Muturi.

A photo from the event showing Oduor in a respectful curtsy before President William Ruto drew criticism from Muturi, also a former Cabinet secretary.

claimed the gesture reflected a troubling culture of submission within the Cabinet.

“As a former Attorney General, I can confidently say I would never have done this. I cannot, and will not, worship any human being,” Muturi said in his Facebook post.

“This image of AG Dorcas Oduor nearly kneeling before the president is disturbing. It confirms what I once said: The Cabinet operates under fear. We must reject this culture of submission. It breeds authoritarianism, not leadership.”

Muturi’s remarks, however, sparked backlash from many Kenyans who defended Oduor’s gesture as a traditional African sign of respect, not subservience.

Several critics accused Muturi of politicising a moment of cultural protocol and undermining a historic achievement for women in leadership.

The controversy has ignited a broader conversation about the intersection of tradition, protocol, and power dynamics within Kenya’s political leadership.

Bariyowcadow Ibnu Malesh

"Hata kama unasikia uchungu, you have to be disciplined and have respect. You are the greediest guy I've ever seen."

Manu Emman

"What about Ugandan ladies? When they kneel while greeting people, does it mean they're worshipping those people, or is it a sign of respect?"

Mithamo Muchiri

"Senior, with all due respect, you are becoming very petty. Ulilemewa na kazi, wacha wengine wafanye."

Mutinda Muthembwa

"I believe this is when she was being sworn in. I always see men and women bow when being sworn in before the president as a sign of respect to the authority. Hers is a curtsy, which is a feminine version of a formal bow, used to greet an important person in a formal situation."

Ray Ogutu

"It is not fear for Ruto but respect for institutions. Just like we bow down for a judge in court, not out of fear but out of respect for the Judiciary as an institution. The executive (presidency) is an institution. A symbol of national unity."

Mwai Antony

"Aki woishe bitter X. Before you come even close again to this seat of power, it will be a decade or never. Utalalamika hadi sauti ipotee."

Odhiambo Levin Opiyo

"It is called curtsying, a British feminine version of a formal bow. Curtsying is usually reserved for greeting an important person in a more formal situation. So, JB, by saying, 'I would never have done this,' should know this is for women and not men, who are expected to bow."

More to follow...

Source: TUKO.co.ke