NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Assembly has approved Claris Awuor Ogangah as the new Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), cementing her role at the helm of the country’s premier human rights watchdog.
Her confirmation comes nearly nine months after the death of former KNCHR Chairperson Roseline Odhiambo Odede on January 3, 2025, which left a leadership gap at the commission.
Lawmakers praised Awuor’s extensive background in human rights law, urging her to safeguard constitutional freedoms while ensuring national stability.
She previously served as Deputy Country Representative and Human Rights Specialist at the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Kenya.
Speaking during debate, Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) Chairperson George Murugara said the House had endorsed a nominee with “the skills, knowledge and expertise to steer the Commission forward on matters of human rights.”
Homa Bay Town MP George Kaluma also backed the appointment but cautioned that liberties must not compromise national order.
“As a country, we have one of the most progressive constitutions, with Chapter Four safeguarding fundamental rights and freedoms. I challenge the nominee to ensure that, while defending these freedoms, the stability of the state is not compromised,” he said.
KNCHR Vice-Chairperson Raymond Nyeris had earlier described Odede’s death as a significant loss to both the agency and the nation, underlining the importance of strong leadership at the commission.
Parliament also approved John Cox Lorionokou as Registrar of Political Parties and Agatha Wanjiku Wahome as Assistant Registrar.
The approvals followed JLAC’s vetting on August 28, 2025, in line with the Constitution and the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act.
JLAC Vice-Chairperson Mwengi Mutuse emphasised the constitutional weight of the process, saying: “What we are doing today is a dictate of the Constitution. Article 4(2) declares that Kenya is a multi-party democracy, to be exercised in line with the national values and principles under Article 10.”
