President Ruto Nominates New KNCHR Chairperson
The nomination was officially announced in the National Assembly by Speaker Moses Wetang'ula during a Tuesday afternoon session
Marvin Chege 
President William Ruto has nominated Duncan Oburu Ojwang to serve as the next Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
The nomination was officially announced in the National Assembly by Speaker Moses Wetang'ula during a Tuesday afternoon session on August 5.
Wetang'ula also confirmed that Oburu's CV and supporting documents have been submitted to the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs for vetting.
"Duncan Oburu Ojwang has been nominated for appointment to the position of Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights by the President, seeking approval of the House on the nominee for appointment as the Chairperson of the Commission," Parliament stated.
National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetangula during a past House session. /FILE
"The Speaker, Moses Masika Wetang'ula, E.G.H., MP, has referred the curriculum vitae, the Report of the Selection Panel, and other testimonials of the nominee to the Departmental Committee of Justice and Legal Affairs for vetting."
If Parliament endorses his nomination, Oburu will be tasked with offering strategic leadership and overseeing the operations of the commission, including ensuring it effectively carries out its mandate to promote and protect human rights in Kenya.
The post fell vacant following the death of the Commission’s former Chairperson, Roseline Odhiambo Odede. She passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025, after battling a short illness.
Following this, President Ruto appointed Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Faith Odhiambo to an eight-member selection panel tasked with recruiting Odhiambo's successor.
According to a Gazette notice dated April 11, those appointed to the panel included Joe Ager, Lawrence Muiruri, Jackline Nekesa Makokha, Dr. Irene Cherotich Asienga, Kathurima Hiram Kirimi, and Catherine Wameyo. Also named were Professor Kenneth Wyne Mutuma.
The team was responsible for overseeing the recruitment process, which involved announcing the vacancy, evaluating applications, conducting interviews, and submitting a list of shortlisted candidates to the President.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights is a vital independent body in the country, with its leadership playing a crucial role in protecting civil liberties and tackling human rights violations.
This development comes a day after President Ruto fronted two new nominations to the National Police Service Commission (NPSC). In a notice dated Monday, August 4, he named Amani Yuda Komora as the proposed chairperson and Angeline Yiamiton Siparo as a member of the commission.
"It is notified that His Excellency the President, in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 250(2)(b) of the Constitution and in accordance with the procedure set out under Section 9(5) of the National Police Service Commission Act (Chapter 85, Laws of Kenya), has nominated the Chairperson and one member of the National Police Service Commission," part of the notice read.
Speaker Moses Wetang'ula confirmed the nominations in a statement on Tuesday, noting that they have been forwarded to the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, which is required to hold an approval hearing within 21 days.
The late former Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Chairperson, Roseline Odhiambo Odede. /FILE
