Six candidates shortlisted for KNCHR chairperson position
The Selection Panel tasked with recruiting the next Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has released a list of six shortlisted candidates, paving the way for the final round of interviews.
In an advert published on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the panel—chaired by Irene Asienga—confirmed that the selection process was conducted in line with Article 59 of the Constitution and Section 11(4) of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act (No. 14 of 2011), narrowing the initial list of 17 applicants down to 6 candidates.
“The Selection Panel considered all the applications and shortlisted the following candidates to appear for an interview,” Asienga stated.
The shortlisted candidates are Victor Okoth Ogwang Lando, Selina Amsugut Iseme, Claris Awour Ogangah, Edward Katama Ngeywa, Michael Peter Otieno Okelloh, and Duncan Oburu Ojwang.
According to the notice, the interviews will be conducted on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, with candidates expected to arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled interview time.
“The shortlisted candidates will be interviewed at Harambee House, 12th Floor Boardroom, Harambee Avenue, Nairobi on May 27, 2025,” the statement read.
Public participation
In line with constitutional values of transparency and accountability, the panel also invited members of the public to submit any credible information regarding the integrity or suitability of the candidates.
“Members of the public are invited to avail any credible information of interest relating to any of the shortlisted candidates (through sworn affidavits) to the Chairperson, Selection Panel for the Nominees for Appointment as Chairperson, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, Harambee House 12th Floor Boardroom, Harambee Avenue, Nairobi, on or before 5:00 pm May 26, 2025,” the panel added.
Selection panel
In a gazette notice dated April 8, 2025, President William Ruto appointed eight individuals to the panel responsible for identifying and presenting nominees for the Chairperson position.
According to the notice, the appointed panel members include Joe Ager, Lawrence Muiruri, Jackline Nekesa Makokha, Dr. Irene Cherotich Asienga, Kathurima Hiram Kirimi, Professor Kenneth Wyne Mutuma, and Catherine Wameyo.
The panel also includes the President of the Law Society of Kenya, Faith Odhiambo.
Next chapter
This announcement follows the passing of KNCHR Chairperson Roseline Odede, who died on January 3, 2025, after a brief illness.
Odede had led the Commission since 2021 after being appointed by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
In a statement at the time of her passing, Commission Vice Chairperson Raymond Nyeris expressed deep sorrow and honoured Odede as a dedicated human rights defender whose loss was profoundly felt by the commission and the nation.
“It is with shock and deep sorrow that I inform you of the demise of Roseline Odhiambo Odede, HSC, Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights… after a short illness,” Nyeris said.
He praised her tenure at the helm of KNCHR, saying her leadership inspired colleagues and strengthened the commission’s role in safeguarding the rights of Kenyans.
“Her untimely death is a big blow to the Commission and the Nation at large,” he added.
