Ruto Nominates New KNCHR Chair, Registrar of Political Parties
President William Ruto has selected Claris Awour Onganga to chair the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), after Dr. Duncan Oburu Ojwang declined the position.
In a statement made on Friday, August 15, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed stated that the President has also nominated John Cox Lorionokou as Registrar of Political Parties, succeeding Sophia Sitati, who had been serving in an acting capacity.
Sitati was appointed in an interim capacity when Ann Nderitu was promoted to the position of commissioner at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Furthermore, the President has appointed Agatha Wanjiku Wahome as Assistant Registrar of Political Parties.
“The President has formally transmitted these nominations to the National Assembly for consideration and approval, as required by law,” the statement read.
President @WilliamsRuto nominates Registrar, Assistant Registrar of Political Parties, and Chairperson of KNHCR. pic.twitter.com/jKkAEQXYiE
— Hussein Mohamed, MBS. (@HusseinMohamedg) August 15, 2025
The nominees will now be vetted by the National Assembly before taking up their respective posts.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) advertised the position on July 15, the day after she resigned.
The PSC stated that interested applicants must have a degree from a recognized Kenyan university and exhibit proven competence in finance, management, political science, law, governance, or public administration.
Candidates were also expected to have at least 15 years of post-qualification experience in the respective sectors, as well as a track record of strong moral character and integrity.
PSC stated that the assistant registrar position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant expertise.
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Meanwhile, the position of chairperson for the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) fell vacant following the death of Roseline Odhiambo Odede in January.
A selection panel appointed by President Ruto led the search for her replacement from April, when the panel was gazetted.
Recently, President Ruto nominated Duncan Ojwang for the position, but he declined the nomination. The selection panel went back to the drawing board.
The position requires specific qualifications, including at least 15 years of experience in law and human rights, a Kenyan university degree, and adherence to Chapter Six of the Constitution.
Ruto Nominates New KNCHR Chair, Registrar of Political Parties
