Ruto’s KNCHR Nominee Duncan Ojwang’ Withdraws Days Before Vetting | BossNana International Radio

President William Ruto’s pick for Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), Duncan Oburu Ojwang’, has declined the appointment, just days after his nomination reached Parliament for vetting.

In a formal letter to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Ojwang’ cited personal reasons and a potential conflict of interest for stepping down. His decision has forced the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee to suspend its scheduled vetting, with the appointing authority now tasked with finding a new nominee for the influential human rights watchdog.

Addressing legislators on Tuesday, Speaker Wetang’ula confirmed he had received Ojwang’s withdrawal letter. He instructed the committee to put all nomination proceedings on hold and requested the Clerk of the National Assembly to inform the appointing authority of the vacancy forthwith.

Ojwang had been nominated on August 5, 2025, following a competitive recruitment process. He had been chosen among six shortlisted candidates who had emerged from a pool of 17 applicants.

The acclaimed legal thinker and human rights campaigner, Ojwang’ served as Dean of the School of Law at Africa Nazarene University from 2017 to January 2023. He also taught law at the University of Nairobi, focusing on constitutional law, human rights, environmental law, and law and development.

His impressive educational background includes a PhD in Law and Policy from the University of Arizona, an LL.M. in International Human Rights Law from Indiana University, and a Juris Doctor degree from Southern Illinois University School of Law. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Indiana University.

Beyond the academic world, Ojwang’ has made serious contributions to governance and diplomacy. He served as an African Union election observer, participated in the Tumaini peace mediation process in South Sudan, and was a technical team member of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO).

However, his nomination sparked legal challenges. The Katiba Institute and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) argued that it was contrary to Article 250(II) of the Constitution, which forbids appointment of a chairperson and deputy chairperson of the same gender on a constitution commission. With current vice-chairperson Raymond Nyeris being male, the petitioners claimed Ojwang’s appointment was unconstitutional.

The High Court is scheduled to mention the case on September 17.

Ojwang’s exit now leaves the KNCHR chairperson position vacant, setting the stage for the government to restart the search for a new leader to champion Kenya’s human rights agenda.

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