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President William Ruto has appointed Claris Awuor Ogangah as the new Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) for a six-year term. This appointment follows the previous nominee, Duncan Ojwang, declining the position and addresses the vacancy left
President William Ruto officially appointed Claris Awuor Ogangah as the Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) on October 2, 2025, through a gazette notice. Ogangah will serve a six-year term, taking over from the late Roseline Odhiambo Odede, who passed away in January. Her appointment received parliamentary approval in September, following vetting by the National Assembly's Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC).
The appointment of Ms. Ogangah comes after the initial nominee for the position, Dr. Duncan Ojwang, declined the offer in August 2025, citing personal reasons and a potential conflict of interest. Dr. Ojwang's nomination had also faced legal challenges from human rights organisations, including the Katiba Institute and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC). These groups argued that his appointment would violate Article 250(11) of the Constitution, which requires the chairperson and vice-chairperson of a commission to be of different genders. The KNCHR Vice-Chairperson, Dr. Raymond Nyeris, is male. Ms. Ogangah's appointment resolves this gender balance issue.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is an autonomous national human rights institution established under the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act, 2011, and Article 59 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. Its core mandate is to promote and protect human rights in Kenya. The Commission acts as a watchdog, monitoring government institutions, investigating alleged human rights violations, and providing redress mechanisms for victims. It also advises the government on human rights compliance and spearheads civic education on constitutional freedoms.
Ms. Ogangah, a seasoned lawyer and governance practitioner, brings extensive experience in human rights advocacy, constitutional reform, and public interest litigation to the role. Prior to this appointment, she served as the Deputy Country Representative and Human Rights Specialist at the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Her leadership is expected to invigorate the commission's efforts in advancing civil liberties and strengthening the rule of law, particularly at a time when the government faces increased scrutiny over alleged human rights violations, including its handling of recent youth-led demonstrations.
The KNCHR's independence and effectiveness are crucial for upholding human rights in Kenya. Ms. Ogangah's appointment is expected to provide stable leadership to the commission, which has faced criticism regarding its capacity to address human rights violations, particularly those involving security agencies. Her experience is anticipated to strengthen the commission's advisory role to the government and its monitoring of compliance with international human rights obligations.
Observers will be keenly watching how Ms. Ogangah's leadership influences the KNCHR's engagement with the government, especially concerning ongoing human rights concerns and the implementation of its mandate to investigate and provide redress for violations. Her tenure will be critical in reinforcing the commission's role as an independent human rights watchdog in Kenya.
