The National Assembly has approved Dr Duncan Ojwang Oburu as the new Chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), clearing the way for his appointment to lead Kenya’s civilian police oversight body.
Ojwang will succeed Ahmed Issack Hassan, who left the position after being appointed a Judge of the Court of Appeal of Kenya.
President William Ruto nominated Ojwang for the position in July, after which his nomination was subjected to parliamentary scrutiny.
The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security vetted Ojwang on August 12 before presenting its report to the House for consideration.
During his vetting, Ojwang pledged to safeguard IPOA’s independence while strengthening public confidence in the authority and its ability to hold police officers accountable.
He told MPs that IPOA must maintain a clear distinction between civilian oversight and police command while maintaining a constructive working relationship with the National Police Service.
“We will speak truth to power,” Ojwang told the committee during his approval hearing.
The legal scholar also acknowledged concerns surrounding the public perception of IPOA, saying he would work to rebuild trust in the institution and ensure it effectively addresses cases of police misconduct.
IPOA faces staffing and funding challenges
Ojwang highlighted staffing shortages as one of the key challenges facing the authority.
According to his vetting remarks, IPOA has an approved establishment of approximately 1,300 employees but currently has only about 300 staff.
The shortage, he noted, could affect the authority’s ability to effectively carry out its oversight mandate across the country.
His approval comes at a time when police conduct and accountability remain under increased public scrutiny, with calls for stronger civilian oversight of the National Police Service.
As IPOA’s incoming chairperson, Ojwang is expected to play a key role in strengthening the institution’s independence, improving public confidence and ensuring complaints against police officers are effectively investigated.
His appointment will formally take effect following the completion of the remaining legal and administrative processes.
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