Ruto nominates Claris Awour Onganga as KNCHR chair

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

In a communique from State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed on Friday, August 15, 2025, the head of state has forwarded Awour’s name to Parliament for consideration.

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“The President has formally transmitted these nominations to the National Assembly for consideration and approval, as required by law,” Mohamed said.

The nomination follows recommendations from the Public Service Commission and a Selection Panel appointed via Kenya Gazette Notice No. 4651 of 11th April 2025.

Awour’s nomination comes days after Duncan Oburu Ojwang, an earlier nominee for the KNCHR chair, officially declined the appointment.

In a letter to the National Assembly, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said Ojwang had “respectfully” turned down the offer, citing personal reasons and a perceived conflict of interest.

Wetang’ula directed the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs to stop the vetting process and instructed the Clerk to inform the appointing authority. The nominations have been sent to the National Assembly for consideration and approval as required by law.

Chair vacancy

The KNCHR chair position became vacant following the death of Chairperson Roseline Odede on January 3, 2024.

The nominations for the Registrar and Assistant Registrar of Political Parties John Cox Lorionokou and Agatha Wanjiku Mahome, respectively have also been forwarded to Parliament alongside Onganga’s.

These appointments are intended to strengthen oversight and governance in Kenya, ensuring institutions tasked with human rights and political administration operate efficiently.

Onganga’s nomination comes at a critical moment as Kenya faces growing concerns over the protection of human rights, including the killings, disappearances, and arbitrary arrests of rights defenders.

Parliament is now expected to schedule the vetting of Awour’s nomination in the coming weeks.