President Ruto appoints selection panel to lead search for next Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Chairperson
The move comes nearly three months after the death of the Commission’s former Chairperson, Roseline Odhiambo Odede, who died in January after a short illness.
The process to recruit a new Chairperson for the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has officially started following the appointment of a selection panel by President William Ruto.
In a gazette notice dated April 8, 2025, President Ruto named eight individuals to the panel that will identify and present nominees for the position.
More To Read
The move comes nearly three months after the death of the Commission’s former Chairperson, Roseline Odhiambo Odede, who died in January after a short illness.
According to the notice, those appointed to the panel include Joe Ager, Lawrence Muiruri, Jackline Nekesa Makokha, Dr. Irene Cherotich Asienga, Kathurima Hiram Kirimi, and Catherine Wameyo. Also named are Faith Odhiambo, the President of the Law Society of Kenya, and Professor Kenneth Wyne Mutuma. The appointments were made under various provisions of section 11 of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act.
The team now has the task of managing the recruitment process, which includes advertising the vacancy, reviewing applications, interviewing candidates, and forwarding shortlisted names to the President. Parliament will then vet the nominees before a final appointment is made.
The vacancy arose following the passing of Roseline Odede, who had led the Commission since 2021 after being appointed by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. She was a respected human rights defender and an advocate of the High Court of Kenya. Odede also previously chaired the Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board.
Her last official duty was on December 26, 2024, when she issued a statement on the human rights situation in the country. During her time in office, she was known for speaking out against police excesses and pushing for accountability in government.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights is one of the country’s key independent institutions, and its leadership plays a major role in defending civil liberties and addressing rights violations. The next Chairperson will be expected to continue the work started by Odede and uphold the Commission’s mandate.
Top Stories Today
