Duncan Ojwang’ declines Ruto’s nomination as KNCHR chairperson

Dr. Duncan Oburu Ojwang’ has declined President William Ruto’s nomination to the position of Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

In a letter inked to the National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, Dr. Ojwang‘ cited personal reasons and perceived conflict of interest and will not be taking up his new role.

This now halts the vetting process scheduled for today, Wednesday, August 14.

President Ruto nominated Dr. Ojwang‘ when the position fell vacant after the death of Roseline Odhiambo Odede in January, following a short illness.

His nomination was however met with contention from civil groups who went to court arguing that President Ruto failed to observe the gender parity rule.

They argued using Article 250 (II) of the constitution, which prohibits the appointment of persons of the same gender as chair and vice-chair of a constitutional commission.

In this case, Dr. Ojwang and the commission’s vice chairperson, Dr. Raymond Nyeris, are male

Likewise, Section 1(6) of the Second Schedule of the KNCHR Act states that the chairperson and vice-chairperson should not be of the same gender.

By Moses Kinyanjui