Claris Ogangah sworn in as new KNCHR chair, vows to defend rights of all Kenyans

New Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Chairperson Claris Ogangah takes the oath of office on October 13, 2025. (Photo: KNCHR)

By Barack Oduor
Monday, October 13, 2025

Ogangah, in her acceptance speech, announced that she'll ensure that all Kenyans, especially the marginalised and voiceless, are protected and heard.

The new chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, Claris Ogangah, on Monday took the oath of office by pledging to defend the dignity and equality of every Kenyan.

In the swearing-in that was led by Chief Justice Martha Koome, Ogangah, in her acceptance speech, announced that she'll ensure that all Kenyans, especially the marginalised and voiceless, are protected and heard.

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"I will strengthen accountability and justice – by working with state institutions, civil society and communities to uphold the rule of law and constitutional values," said Ogangah.

She additionally promised to rebuild public trust through civic engagement – expanding rights education and deepening the Commission's presence across the country so that all citizens can claim their rights and fulfil their responsibilities.

She equally noted that she's aware that the journey ahead will not be easy.

"Defending human rights often means standing in uncomfortable places, but together and with the support of everyone, we can strengthen this institution as a beacon of hope, justice and fairness towards a nation that is sustainable, peaceful and respectful of human rights. I call upon all of us to demonstrate, together, that Kenya can be a country where every person enjoys their rights fully and where every person takes responsibility for building a just and inclusive society," she said.

Ogangah noted that she's taking the position at a time when human rights conversations are central to the country's nationhood.

"Across Kenya, state and non-state actors are engaging in dialogue about justice, dignity, equality and freedom. Citizens yearn not only for the protection of their rights but also for accountability, integrity and the restoration of trust in our institutions," she said.

According to her, the situation in the country currently challenges all Kenyans to deepen their collective commitment to human rights, not as an abstract ideal but as a lived reality for every Kenyan.

"Kenya's human rights journey is also intertwined with the global one. As the only UN headquarters in the Global South, Nairobi has become a hub for international dialogue on rights, governance and development. Our election to the Human Rights Council on January 1, 2025, gives us both an opportunity and an obligation: to lead by example at home while contributing to shaping the global human rights agenda," she added.

In her previous position, Ogangah worked full-time as a Human Rights Specialist. Before this, she served as a Human Rights Advisor at the United Nations from June 2011 to June 2020, contributing to various UN initiatives.

She has also served as the Deputy Executive Director and Head of Programmes at the Federation of Women Lawyers – Kenya (FIDA-Kenya). Claris holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Democracy and Governance from the University of Nairobi.

The OHCHR, where Ogangah worked, promotes and protects all human rights by speaking out against violations, helping governments and institutions fulfil their obligations through technical assistance and capacity-building.

It also empowers people to know and claim their rights through education and advocacy, as it leads efforts to integrate human rights across the UN system and in global discussions on development and other challenges.

Ogangah, in her previous position, provided technical assistance, legal advice, and training to governments, National Human Rights Institutions, and civil society organisations to help them uphold their human rights obligations and enact appropriate laws and policies.