A prominent lawyer who played a key role in President William Ruto’s legal team during the 2022 presidential election petition at the Supreme Court of Kenya, Dr. Duncan Ojwang, has been nominated as the Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
Ojwang was among six candidates shortlisted by the KNCHR selection panel, according to a public notice issued in May 2025. The other shortlisted individuals included Victor Okoth Ogwang Lando, Selina Amsugut Iseme, Claris Awour Ogangah, Edward Katama Ngeywa, and Michael Peter Otieno Okelloh.
On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, President Ruto officially nominated Dr. Ojwang to the KNCHR position and forwarded his name to the National Assembly Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) for vetting.
“Dr. Duncan Oburu Ojwang has been nominated for appointment to the position of Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights by H.E. the President, seeking approval of the House on the nominee for appointment as the Chairperson of the Commission. The Speaker @HonWetangula, has referred the Curriculum Vitae, the Report of the Selection Panel, and other testimonials of the nominee to the Departmental Committee of Justice and Legal Affairs for vetting,” said the National Assembly in a statement.
This comes following the passing of former KNCHR Chairperson Roseline Odhiambo Odede, who died in January this year.
Dr. Ojwang is a legal scholar with deep expertise in human rights law, policy, and constitutional matters at both national and international levels. He previously served as Dean of the School of Law at Africa Nazarene University for over six years, from 2017 to January 2023.
Career profile of Dr. Duncan Ojwang
He has taught law for more than a decade at both the University of Nairobi and Africa Nazarene University, specializing in subjects such as Environmental Law, Law and Development, Human Rights, and Constitutional Law.
Throughout his career, Dr. Ojwang has made significant contributions in various capacities. He was part of Kenya’s state delegation and served as a researcher in the International Criminal Court (ICC) case against then-Deputy President William Ruto, who faced charges of crimes against humanity.
He also served as an election observer with the African Union and was a member of the technical team that prepared the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, a bipartisan initiative led by President Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In addition, he took part in the Tumaini mediation process for South Sudan, which focused on paving the way for the country’s first democratic elections.
Dr. Ojwang holds 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.
Also Read: Ruto’s Lawyer Among 6 Candidates Shortlisted for KNCHR Chair Position
If approved by JLAC, he will lead KNCHR, an independent national human rights institution established under Article 59 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and operationalized by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act, 71 Laws of Kenya.
The Commission’s core mandate is the promotion and protection of Human Rights in Kenya.
Former KNCHR Chairperson Roseline Odede mourned
Ojwang is set to replace the late Odede, who died following a short illness earlier in the year. In a statement issued by Vice Chairperson Dr. Raymond Nyeris on January 4, the commission expressed its deep sense of loss, describing Odede’s passing as a significant blow to both the human rights agency and the nation at large.
“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, that happened yesterday, Friday 3rd January 2025, after a short illness,” read part of the statement.
The commission went ahead to extend its heartfelt condolences to Odede’s family and friends, acknowledging the significant void her passing created.
Also Read: KNCHR Chairperson Roseline Odede is dead
President Ruto was among the leaders who mourned the former KNCHR chairperson.
In his statement of condolence, the Head of State said he was deeply saddened by Odede’s death, adding that she was a formidable human rights champion and a distinguished campaigner for a more equal and fairer society.
“Our thoughts and love are with the family at this sorrowful moment. Rest In Peace, Roseline,” Ruto said on his official X account.
Odede was buried on Saturday, January 18, 2025, in Ruma village, Siaya County.
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