Dr Duncan Ojwang sworn in as new IPOA chairperson
Dr Duncan Ojwang sworn in as new IPOA chairperson
Dr Duncan Ojwang Oburu has been sworn in as the fourth Chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), taking charge of the civilian oversight body at a critical period ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Ojwang assumed office during a ceremony presided over by Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court Martha Koome at the Supreme Court, where Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya administered the oath of office.
President William Ruto appointed Ojwang following his approval by Parliament. He will serve a six-year term.
Chief Justice Koome urged the new IPOA chairperson to exercise independence, courage and impartiality in discharging his mandate.
“I urge you to take this responsibility with humility, courage and unwavering commitment to the Constitution,” Koome said.
She challenged Ojwang to ensure that the National Police Service operates professionally, lawfully and with respect for the dignity and rights of Kenyans.
“Lead IPOA with independence. Lead with courage and fairness. You must be firm, impartial and evidence-based, and be respectful of due process,” she said.
Koome said strong institutions were critical to safeguarding the Constitution and called for greater cooperation between IPOA, the police, the Judiciary and other stakeholders.
“This country will stand on the strength of its institutions. This is what our Constitution requires. We must strengthen our institutions,” she said.
Ojwang succeeds Justice Ahmed Issack Hassan, who relinquished the IPOA chairpersonship in February 2026 after being appointed to the Court of Appeal.
IPOA Vice Chairperson Ann Wanjiku Mwangi subsequently served as acting chairperson as the process of recruiting a substantive holder of the position got underway.
The recruitment process began in July 2026 after President Ruto constituted a panel to identify, interview and recommend suitable candidates.
Ojwang was subsequently nominated by the President and vetted by the National Assembly. The House adopted the relevant committee report on August 19, paving the way for his appointment.
His appointment was formally gazetted on August 31, 2026.
During his parliamentary vetting, Ojwang pledged to safeguard IPOA’s independence while maintaining constructive engagement with the National Police Service.
He also proposed greater use of technology in policing and oversight, including body-worn cameras and CCTV systems, saying such measures could enhance accountability and help address allegations of police brutality and deaths in custody.
His assumption of office comes as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election, placing renewed focus on police accountability, crowd management, protection of human rights and the handling of complaints against police officers.
IPOA is mandated to provide civilian oversight over the National Police Service, investigate complaints and deaths arising from police action and promote accountability within the Service.
Ojwang said he would work with the IPOA Board, staff, the police, other stakeholders and the public to implement the Authority’s strategic plan.
He emphasised that citizens deserved to be policed with dignity and professionalism while also stressing the need for the authority of the police to be respected.
Ojwang brings to the position a background in law, public policy and governance.
He holds a PhD in Law and Policy from the University of Arizona, a Master of Laws in Human Rights and International Law from Indiana University and a Juris Doctor degree from Southern Illinois University.
He has also served in academia, including as a lecturer at the University of Nairobi and as Dean and Senior Lecturer at Africa Nazarene University.
He was also involved in technical support during the National Dialogue Committee process and has participated in public-sector and legal policy work.
In his remarks after taking office, Ojwang pledged to uphold the Authority’s independence and promised that “truth will be spoken to power.”
IPOA Vice Chairperson Mwangi welcomed him to the Authority, saying his experience and knowledge would strengthen the institution’s work.
“We’re confident that your experience, knowledge and perspective will add value to IPOA and to the people of Kenya,” she said.
Ojwang’s six-year tenure now begins with expectations that he will strengthen police accountability, improve complaints handling and enhance public confidence in civilian oversight of policing.
