President William Ruto has nominated Duncan Ojwang Oburu as the chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), days after the post became vacant following Issack Hassan’s appointment as a Court of Appeal judge

In a press release issued by the Executive Office of the President on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, the head of state announced that Oburu’s nomination has been forwarded to Parliament for consideration and approval in accordance with the Constitution and the relevant statutes.

“The following presidential nominations have been transmitted to Parliament for consideration and approval in accordance with the Constitution and the relevant statutes. Dr Duncan Ojwang Oburu has been nominated as Chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA),” the communique read in part.

The nomination is part of a broader exercise aimed at filling vacancies that arose earlier in the year across constitutional commissions, statutory bodies, and intergovernmental relations institutions.

In the same announcement, President Ruto nominated former Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Wilson Sossion and Antonina Lentoijoni as members of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), while Flora Mutua was nominated as a member of the Public Service Commission (PSC).

Other nominees

The president also nominated seven individuals to serve on the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC), subject to ratification by the National and County Government Coordinating Summit in accordance with the Intergovernmental Relations Act. The nominees are Wilson Kuria Thuita (Murang’a), Silvia C. Apaa (Busia), Ahmed Kanyara Bishar (Wajir), Pascalyne Ntang’en Kimkirir (Laikipia), Ken Riaga (Migori), Evalyn Njekuri Abausa (Nakuru) and Mary Ndiritu Kiloi (Nairobi).

“Committee (IGRTC), subject to ratification by the National and County Government Co-ordinating Summit in accordance with the Intergovernmental Relations Act,” the statement read.

Public service appointments

Additionally, the Public Service Commission approved several promotions and redeployments within the executive.

Among those affected are Isaac M. Mwaura, who was promoted and redesignated as Head of the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Disability Rights in the Executive Office of the President, and Charles Owino Wahong’o, who was redeployed from the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy to serve as the Acting Head of Government Communications and Government Spokesperson.

If approved by Parliament, Dr Oburu will assume leadership of IPOA, the independent body tasked with overseeing the conduct of the National Police Service, investigating complaints against police officers, and promoting accountability within the service.