No, thank you! Duncan Ojwang’ declines Ruto’s nomination for KNCHR chair
Duncan Ojawang, President William Ruto’s nominee for Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), has declined the appointment just days after his name was forwarded to the National Assembly for vetting.
Ojwang declined his appointment by the Head of State by writing a letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly.
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In a communication released by the National Assembly of Kenya on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetangula, said that he had received a letter from Ojwang “respectfully” turning down the offer, citing personal reasons and a perceived conflict of interest.
“The Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Wetang’ula, has received a letter from Dr. Duncan Oburu Ojwang, declining his nomination as Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR),” a post on Parliament’s Facebook page read.
Notably, Ojwang’s name and his curriculum vitae were referred to the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee in the National Assembly by President William Ruto for a vetting process.
“In a communication to the House on Tuesday, 5th August 2025, Speaker Wetang’ula conveyed the President’s proposal and referred the nominee’s name and curriculum vitae to the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs for vetting,” it noted.
Who is Ojwang
Following the report by the National Assembly, Wetangula noted that Ojwang, who is a lawyer by profession, in his submission, noted the major reason for declining the nomination was on the basis of personal reasons leaning towards conflict of interest.
“A lawyer by profession, Dr. Ojwang has extensive experience in national and international human rights law, policy, and constitutional matters. Dr. Ojwang cited personal reasons and a perceived conflict of interest as the basis for declining the nomination,” the statement added.
The Speaker has also directed the Clerk of the National Assembly to immediately notify the appointing authority of the new development.
“Following the withdrawal, the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Samwel Njoroge, will formally notify the appointing authority to enable the President to propose a new nominee for the position,” it noted.
Worth noting, Ojwang was among the six candidates shortlisted in May from a field of 17 applicants. Ojwang was nominated by the President on August 5, 2025, and his name, together with his curriculum vitae, was referred to the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee for vetting.
