Kenya’s National Assembly has approved the nomination of Dr. Duncan Ojwang Oburu as the new Chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), paving the way for his formal appointment by President William Ruto.
Ojwang will succeed Justice Ahmed Issack Hassan, who left the position in February after being appointed to Kenya’s Court of Appeal.
Since Hassan’s departure, IPOA Vice Chairperson Anne Wanjiku Mwangi has been serving in an interim capacity.
Ojwang appeared before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security for his approval hearing on August 12, 2026, where he committed to protecting the independence of the police oversight institution and carrying out its mandate without political interference.
His nomination was made by President Ruto in July 2026 and subsequently submitted to Parliament for consideration.
IPOA plays a central role in Kenya’s security and accountability framework, overseeing the conduct of the country’s police service and investigating complaints and incidents involving police officers.
The appointment comes amid continued public scrutiny of policing, accountability and the protection of human rights in Kenya, making the independence and effectiveness of the oversight authority a key issue for the incoming chairperson.
With parliamentary approval now secured, the nomination is expected to proceed to the final stage, with the Speaker of the National Assembly formally communicating the decision to President Ruto. Ojwang will then be appointed and take the oath of office.
His tenure will place him at the centre of efforts to strengthen public confidence in Kenya’s policing institutions and ensure that allegations of police misconduct are independently investigated and addressed.
