Following the announcement of Dr. Duncan Ojwang’s nomination as Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) on August 5, 2025, the Katiba Institute and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) filed a petition in the High Court contesting his appointment. 

The challenge centres on concerns about his close ties to President William Ruto, as Dr. Ojwang’ served as a key lawyer on the Head of State’s legal team during the 2022 presidential election petition. Critics argue that this connection raises questions about his independence and impartiality, which are crucial for leading a national human rights institution tasked with holding the government accountable. They fear that his appointment could compromise the commission’s neutrality and set a precedent that weakens institutional autonomy.

This nomination follows the passing of the former KNCHR Chairperson, Roseline Odhiambo Odede, who died earlier this year in January.

Dr. Ojwang’ is a legal scholar specialising in human rights law, constitutional law, and policy at both national and international levels. He served as Dean of the School of Law at Africa Nazarene University for over six years, from 2017 until January 2023. With over ten years of teaching experience, he has lectured at both Africa Nazarene University and the University of Nairobi, focusing on courses such as Environmental Law, Human Rights, Constitutional Law, and Law and Development.

Throughout his career, Dr. Ojwang’ has made significant contributions to various legal and human rights initiatives. He was a member of Kenya’s state delegation. He acted as a researcher in the International Criminal Court case involving then-Deputy President William Ruto, who faced charges of crimes against humanity. Additionally, he worked as an election observer with the African Union. He participated in the technical team that prepared the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, a bipartisan effort led by President Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. He also participated in the Tumaini mediation process, which aimed to facilitate South Sudan’s first democratic elections.

Dr. Ojwang’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Indiana University, a Juris Doctor (JD) from Southern Illinois University School of Law, a Master of Laws (LL.M) in International Human Rights Law from Indiana University School of Law, and a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) in Law and Policy with a focus on Indigenous Peoples Law from the University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law.

If approved by the National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC), Dr. Ojwang’ will lead the KNCHR, an independent national human rights institution established under Article 59 of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya and operationalised by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act. The Commission’s main role is to promote and protect human rights across Kenya.

Dr. Ojwang’ was shortlisted alongside five other candidates for the position of Chairperson of the KNCHR. The other shortlisted individuals included Victor Okoth Ogwang Lando, Selina Amsugut Iseme, Claris Awour Ogangah, Edward Katama Ngeywa, and Michael Peter Otieno Okelloh.