The National Assembly has officially begun the process of approving Claris Awuor Onganga as the Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), following her nomination by President William Ruto.

In a communication to the House on Tuesday, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula informed MPs that he had received a message from Ruto notifying Parliament of Onganga’s nomination to head the human rights body.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 250(2)(b) of the Constitution, section 11 of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act, as read together with the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, His Excellency the President has nominated Ms. Claris Awuor Onganga for appointment as the Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights,” Wetang’ula told the House.

Nominee’s withdrawal

Onganga’s nomination follows the withdrawal of Dr. Duncan Oburu Ojwang, who had earlier been proposed for the same position.

The Speaker reminded Members that Dr. Ojwang’s nomination lapsed after his formal withdrawal was communicated to the Clerk of the National Assembly on August 12, 2025.

“Honourable Members, you will recall that on Tuesday, 12th August 2025, I notified the House about the withdrawal by notice in writing to the Clerk, of Dr. Duncan Oburu Ojwang. Consequently, pursuant to the provisions of Section 6(10) of the Public Appointment (Parliamentary Approval) Act, the candidate’s nomination lapsed. The nomination of Ms. Onganga is therefore consequent of that withdrawal,” he explained.

JLAC vetting

In his directive, Wetang’ula referred Onganga’s credentials, including her Curriculum Vitae, the report of the Selection Panel, and other testimonials, to the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs (JLAC) for vetting.

The Committee is then expected to conduct approval hearings and table a report for consideration by the House.

“Whereas the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act requires the House to make a decision within twenty-eight days, section 11(7) of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act provides for a lesser period, being twenty-one days,” he noted, emphasising the need for urgency.

He further directed the Committee to notify both the nominee and the public of the date and venue of the hearings to ensure transparency and compliance with the law.

“The Committee should notify both the nominee and the public of the time and venue for the hearing, and thereafter table its report without delay so that the House can consider the matter within the statutory timelines,” he said.