Parliament Approves Ojwang as New IPOA Chairperson
The National Assembly has given its formal approval to the nomination of Dr. Duncan Ojwang Oburu as the next Chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority.
The decision clears the way for him to take charge of the civilian body tasked with monitoring police conduct and ensuring accountability. Dr. Ojwang steps into a role left vacant when Justice Ahmed Issack Hassan stepped down on February 17 after his elevation to the Court of Appeal of the country.
Since that departure, IPOA Vice Chairperson Anne Wanjiku Mwangi has guided the authority on an interim basis. The transition now moves closer to completion following the parliamentary vote. During his approval hearing on August 12, 2026, Ojwang spoke directly about the importance of institutional independence and his personal commitment to the position.
Addressing the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, he declared, “I believe I am courageous. I speak truth. Trust me with that responsibility. We will speak truth to power.” The statement underscored his intention to maintain IPOA’s autonomy while carrying out its core mandate of oversight and public protection. Members of the committee assessed his suitability before recommending the nomination for full House endorsement.
President William Ruto first put forward Dr. Ojwang’s name in July 2026 and forwarded it to Parliament for the required scrutiny. With legislative approval now secured, the process enters its final administrative stage. Speaker Moses Wetang’ula is expected to transmit the formal communication to the President, after which the official appointment and swearing-in ceremony can proceed.
The appointment arrives at a time when public confidence in policing institutions remains a frequent subject of national discussion. Once sworn in, Dr. Ojwang will inherit the responsibility of steering IPOA through ongoing investigations, policy recommendations and community engagement efforts. Observers will watch closely to see how the new leadership upholds the authority’s independent character while advancing its statutory objectives.
