Ruto Nominates Another KNCHR Chairperson After Duncan Ojwang Rejects Offer

President William Ruto has nominated Claris Awour Onganga for the position of Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

This was announced on Friday, August 15, by State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, coming days after the Katiba Institute (KI) and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) moved to the High Court to challenge the nomination of Dr. Duncan Oburu Ojwang for the position, citing a breach of constitutional gender requirements.

"In addition, and in line with the recommendation of the Selection Panel appointed via Kenya Gazette Notice No. 4651 of 11th April 2025, President Ruto has nominated Ms. Claris Awour Onganga for consideration by the National Assembly for appointment as Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR)," the statement read in part.

At the centre of the dispute was Article 250(11) of the Constitution, which bars the chairperson and vice-chairperson of any independent commission from being of the same gender.

Currently, the KNCHR’s Vice-Chairperson, Dr. Raymond Nyeris, is male, meaning the nomination of another male chairperson, Dr. Ojwang, had directly contravened the law.

The petitioners argued that the selection panel, the President, and the National Assembly disregarded this constitutional provision, thereby undermining principles of gender equity, inclusivity, and the rule of law.

''The petitioners argue that this nomination violates the Constitution and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act, reiterating the gender diversity requirement. They accuse the Selection Panel, the President, and the National Assembly of failing to uphold national values, particularly gender equity, rule of law, integrity, and inclusivity,'' the statement by KHRC read in part.

Even before the petition could be heard and determined, Ojwang decided to turn down the role, citing personal reasons and conflict of interest as reasons behind his rejection. The decision frustrated his vetting, initially planned for Wednesday, August 13, and paved the way for Ruto to nominate another person. 

Meanwhile, President Ruto nominated John Cox Lorionokou as the new Registrar of Political Parties and Agatha Wanjiku Wahome as the Assistant Registrar of Political Parties.

The President has submitted the names of the nominees to the National Assembly for vetting and approval, as required by the Constitution.

The nominations follow the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) shortlisting of 10 candidates for the Registrar of Political Parties position just a week earlier. Those shortlisted included the current Acting Registrar, Ali Abdullah Surrar, alongside Sophia Sitati, Geoffrey Obonyo, Everlyne Koiyan, Alloys Ndege, Mercy Wambua, Dr. Manana Rodgers, Rahma Jillo, John Cox Lorionokou, and Florence Tabu Birya.

Interviews for the position were conducted on August 11, 2025, at the PSC offices on Harambee Avenue.

Similarly, 10 candidates were shortlisted for the Assistant Registrar role. They are Seth Onyango, Simon Nyamolo, Josephine Ergaoe, Chebet Koske, Julius Cheche, Peter Muthui, Agatha Wahome, Mohammed Abdullahi Abdi, Robert Borter, and Gilbert Opanga.

An image of John Cox Lorionokou. He has been nominated as the next Registrar of Political Parties. /FACEBOOK