Distinguished legal scholar Duncan Oburu Ojwang has declined his nomination by President William Ruto to chair the Kenya National Commission of Human Rights (KNCHR). His decision, citing personal reasons and a conflict of interest, was communicated to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula on Tuesday, August 13, effectively halting his vetting process.

• Ojwang was nominated on August 5 following the death of the previous chair, Roseline Odhiambo Odede.
• His nomination was already facing legal challenges from both Katiba Institute and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC).
• The Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs has been directed to cease further consideration of his nomination.