Nairobi, Kenya –Dr. Duncan Oburu Ojwang’ has turned down President William Ruto’s nomination to serve as Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
In a letter addressed to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, Dr. Ojwang’ said he would not take up the role due to personal reasons and a perceived conflict of interest. His decision effectively halts the vetting process that was scheduled for today.
President Ruto nominated Dr. Ojwang’ earlier this year following the death of former chairperson Roseline Odhiambo Odede in January after a short illness.
However, his appointment had sparked criticism from civil society groups, who filed a petition in court claiming that the nomination breached the gender parity requirement. They argued that under Article 250 (2) of the Constitution and Section 1(6) of the Second Schedule of the KNCHR Act, the chairperson and vice-chairperson cannot be of the same gender. Currently, the commission’s vice-chairperson, Dr. Raymond Nyeris, is male.
The withdrawal now leaves the position vacant as the legal and constitutional debate over the appointment process continues.
Read the Constitution of Kenya here: Kenya Law – Constitution of Kenya, 2010
