Dr Duncan Ojwang Oburu has cleared a key hurdle in his appointment as chairperson of Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority, after the National Assembly approved his nomination.
Ojwang will succeed Justice Ahmed Issack Hassan, who stepped down as IPOA chairperson in February after being appointed to the Court of Appeal. IPOA Vice Chairperson Anne Wanjiku Mwangi has been serving in an acting capacity since his departure.
President William Ruto nominated Ojwang for the position in July and forwarded his name to Parliament for consideration. His approval followed a vetting process by the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security.
During his approval hearing on August 12, Ojwang presented himself as an independent voice who would not shy away from challenging those in authority.
“I believe I am courageous. I speak truth. Trust me with that responsibility. We will speak truth to power,” he told the committee.
His comments come as IPOA continues to operate in a sensitive area of public accountability. The authority is mandated to provide civilian oversight of the police and investigate complaints and deaths or serious injuries linked to police action.
The National Assembly had earlier received the President’s nomination under Section 11 of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Act. Parliament’s official record shows that Ojwang’s nomination was referred to the relevant committee for consideration, with the House required to act within the statutory timeline.
With the National Assembly’s approval now secured, the process moves to the next stage. A formal communication by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula is expected to be sent to President Ruto, paving the way for Ojwang’s official appointment and swearing-in.
Ojwang will inherit an authority whose work often places it at the centre of difficult questions about police conduct, accountability and the use of force.
His promise to safeguard IPOA’s independence will therefore be closely watched as he prepares to take charge of the institution.
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