Let me share this practice tip with us.
As a Criminal Defence Lawyer, when cross-examining a witness, always focus on the ingredients of the offence.
All offences captured in our laws have ingredients. These ingredients could be easily gleaned from the laws or from case books (Law Reports). In most cases, these ingredients are conjunctive and not disjunctive. That means, where one is not proved, the Defendant will be discharged and acquitted.
Understanding the ingredients will help your cross-examination questions. It protects you from shooting amiss and ensures you are within the relevant range that will help you destroy the case of the prosecution.
When you understand this, it activates your mind to capture defects in a witness testimony and in most cases, the IPO's Investigation Report.
I suggest you add this to what you will learn from other trusted hands in criminal litigation.
You are welcome.🙏
Clients often do not respect lawyers who charge below the remuneration order. They may perceive these lawyers as cheap or as caricatures who can be easily manipulated. However, when clients realize the value of quality, substance, and strategy that comes with higher fees, they often return after experiencing the consequences of their choices.
For instance, in a 4-acre dispute in Upperhill, losing at the Environment and Land Court (ELC) can lead to significant risks at the Court of Appeal, which is the final court for land cases. This is especially true unless the underlying dispute is anchored on violations of the Constitution.
What many litigants overlook—and often pay dearly for—is that the quality of pleadings at the superior court can significantly impact the outcome of an appeal. If pleadings are poorly crafted from the outset, winning at the appellate level becomes challenging. While some drafting mistakes can be remedied by seeking leave to file additional evidence, this option is narrow and restrictive.
The Attorney General Hon. Dorcas Oduor, EGH, today joined H.E. President @WilliamsRuto, senior government officials, members of the Judiciary and the legal fraternity at State House, Nairobi, during the official launch of Honourable Justice Njoki Ndung’u’s campaign for election to the International Criminal Court (ICC) Bench for the 2027–2036 term.
The occasion underscored Kenya’s confidence in Justice Ndung’u’s outstanding contribution to the growth of jurisprudence, constitutionalism and international justice. Her decades of public service, marked by principled leadership and distinguished judicial experience, continue to elevate Kenya’s voice within the global legal community.
Her candidature reflects the country’s continued commitment to strengthening international accountability mechanisms and promoting justice beyond borders.
Today, the Attorney General Hon. Dorcas Oduor, EGH, joined H.E. the President @WilliamsRuto, senior government officials, members of the Judiciary and the legal fraternity at State House for the swearing-in of a Supreme Court Judge and the conferment of Senior Counsel status.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone in strengthening the administration of justice and upholding the rule of law in the country.
Amongst those sworn in was Justice Mohamed Abdullahi Warsame, who officially took oath as the 14th Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya.
The conferment of Senior Counsel status also recognized distinguished advocates for their exemplary service, contribution to the legal profession and commitment to justice.
Also present during the ceremony were Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Chief Justice Martha Koome, senior members of the Executive and Judiciary, as well as leaders from the legal fraternity.
The event underscored the continued collaboration between institutions in advancing constitutionalism, justice and good governance in Kenya.
Role out of the National Legal Aid Services in Nakuru County.
The Attorney General Hon.Dorcas Oduor, EGH, today presided over the commissioning of the National Legal Aid Centre at Nakuru Maximum Prison, alongside Principal Secretary for @StateJusticeKE Hon. Judith Pareno and Principal Secretary for State Department of Correctional Services, Dr. Salome Beacco, marking a major step in expanding access to justice for all, including persons in custody and vulnerable communities.
In her address, the AG emphasized that the initiative is about more than infrastructure. “This occasion is not merely about opening a facility, it is about affirming a principle: that justice in Kenya must be accessible, inclusive, and humane,” she stated.
The Centre, established under the National Legal Aid Service, will support both inmates and the wider Nakuru community, addressing key justice needs including land disputes, probate and administration, and matters involving children in conflict with the law.
Reaffirming the constitutional guarantee under Article 48, the AG noted: “Justice must never be the preserve of the privileged, but a lived reality for every Kenyan, including those within our correctional institutions.” She added that prisons must remain spaces where rights are safeguarded.
The AG further highlighted the Centre’s role in enabling inmates to access legal advice, pursue appeals, and engage meaningfully with the justice system, noting the use of innovative, container-based units that bring services closer to the people in a cost-effective and accessible way.
Also present were Nakuru Deputy Governor Hon. David Kones; Justice Julius Nanghea (representing the Chief Justice); County Commissioner Dr. Loyford Kibaara; Secretary General, Probation and Aftercare Services Mr. Shadrack Kavutai; and LSK Nakuru Branch representative Madam Peninah Wangare, among other leaders.
The Office of the Attorney General plays a vital role in ensuring access to justice for all, particularly for vulnerable and underserved members of society. Through its legal aid services, the Office seeks to bridge the gap between the law and the people by offering free or subsidized legal assistance to those who cannot afford private representation.
These services include legal advice, representation in civil matters, assistance with documentation, and guidance on dispute resolution. Citizens are supported in areas such as family law, succession, land disputes, and other civil claims, helping them navigate complex legal processes with dignity and confidence. The Office also works closely with partner institutions to extend outreach services, bringing legal support closer to communities across the country.
In line with ongoing reforms, legal aid services have been enhanced through digitization and improved service delivery frameworks, making them more accessible, efficient, and user-friendly. Modernized service points, including upgraded facilities within key departments, ensure that citizens receive timely assistance in a more welcoming and organized environment.
Through these efforts, the Office of the Attorney General continues to uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and equality before the law, ensuring that no one is left behind due to financial or social barriers.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.” Proverbs 31:8
“We are shocked that a chief would be present while conversations of compensation are happening for a woman who was killed.” - Dr @Ikal_Angelei
FoLT calls for urgent investigations and accountability following recent cases of violence against women in Turkana.
Read our full statement in the replies.
#EndFemicideKE
@UraiaTrust@Pawa254@Mwarpkenya@rachaelmwiks@DefendersKE@EkaaleEpakan@NjeriWaMigwi
Demanding accountability is not enmity; it is patriotism. ✊🏿
Tune in for a powerful dialogue with lawyers @ekainabenyo and @LotiirHenry , as we use Raila's principles to demand the Turkana We Want on @TurkanaTv this Sunday. 👊🏿
In attendance were State Counsels from the Office of the Attorney General, Mr. Polycarp Okello, Mr Henry Obunde, Mr Lotiir Henry, Mr Geoffrey Mbui, Patricia Kirui, Rhobi Doris and lawyers from Young Lawyers Association and Young Okil Kamaloka.
Amongst the services offered by the OAG office were legal and general services as provided by the Office of the Attorney General. The huduma centre provided SHA registration, Birth certificate registration and Identification Card registration.
The outreach programme organised by Young Okil Kamaloka led by Yvonne Akinyi and Young Lawyers led by Effie Sheilah was a collaborative effort with the members of Kibera Community who received services from huduma centre, OAG, NLAS Dept and other Lawyers.
Today, the Office of the Attorney General, NLAS Department partnered with 'Young Okil Kamaloka' and 'Young lawyers Association' at Kamukunji grounds in Kibera to sensitize members of the public on the available public services that directly benefit the people.