NAIROBI, Kenya- President William Ruto has nominated Dr. Duncan Ojwang Oburu, the Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), as the next Chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
The nomination is subject to approval by the National Assembly.
The appointment was announced through Notification of Presidential Action No. XI of 2026, which also included nominations to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC).
If approved by Parliament, Dr. Ojwang will succeed Justice Ahmed Issack Hassan, who left the watchdog after his appointment as a Judge of the Court of Appeal earlier this year.
Human Rights Background
Dr. Ojwang is a lawyer and human rights expert who has served in leadership roles within Kenya’s governance and accountability sector.
He currently chairs the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and has also served on national panels dealing with human rights, governance and accountability issues, including the presidential panel on compensation for victims of demonstrations and public protests.
His nomination places a long-serving human rights advocate at the helm of the institution mandated to investigate police misconduct, deaths resulting from police action and other complaints against members of the National Police Service.
Critical Role at IPOA
IPOA is one of Kenya’s key independent oversight institutions established under the Constitution to promote police accountability.
The authority investigates deaths and serious injuries linked to police operations, monitors police conduct, recommends prosecutions where evidence exists and oversees compliance with human rights standards within the National Police Service.
The nomination comes at a time when IPOA has been handling several high-profile investigations involving alleged police excesses during protests, custodial deaths and election-related security operations.
Parliamentary Vetting
Before assuming office, Dr. Ojwang must undergo vetting by the National Assembly in accordance with the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act.
Lawmakers will assess his qualifications, integrity and suitability to lead the police oversight agency before making a recommendation on his appointment.
If approved, he will take over leadership of an institution expected to play a central role in strengthening accountability within the National Police Service amid increasing public scrutiny of policing in Kenya.
