Weeks after her appointment as Attorney General, Dorcas Oduor has directed her focus towards ensuring compliance among pastors and Imams who officiate marriages.
Her office has issued a notice through MyGov Newspaper mandating that all marriage certificates from previously conducted ceremonies be submitted to the Registrar of Marriages.
Effective September 1, 2024, clergy members will be required to scan and upload marriage certificates or special licenses for marriages scheduled to take place after this date to the Registrar’s official website (marriage.returns@ag.go.ke).
Additionally, they must submit the original certificates to the Registrar of Marriages in Nairobi within 14 days of the marriage.
This move aligns with Sections 53, 54, 55, 56, and 57 of the Marriage Act, which stipulate that anyone officiating a marriage must forward a copy of the marriage certificate to the Registrar for proper registration.
This directive applies to Christian, Islamic, civil, Hindu, and customary marriages.
The Marriage Act specifies: “For marriages celebrated under Part III of this Act, the officiant must send a copy of the marriage certificate to the Registrar within fourteen days of the marriage for registration purposes.”
This enforcement action reflects Oduor’s broader commitment to addressing challenges within her office, including reforming the criminal justice system.
Since her swearing-in two weeks ago, there has been considerable anticipation regarding her ability to safeguard public interest and uphold the rule of law.
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