Dr Duncan Oburu Ojwang has officially assumed office as chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), beginning a six-year tenure at a time when police accountability and civilian oversight are expected to face increased scrutiny.
Ojwang was sworn in at the Supreme Court of Kenya in a ceremony presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome, succeeding Justice Ahmed Issack Hassan, who left the position after his appointment to the Court of Appeal.
President William Ruto appointed Ojwang through Gazette Notice No. 13998 dated August 31, following his nomination and approval by the National Assembly.
Koome sets the tone for new IPOA leadership
During the swearing-in ceremony, Chief Justice Koome challenged the new IPOA chairperson to protect the authority’s independence while exercising his mandate with fairness and courage.
She urged Ojwang to remain impartial, evidence-based and respectful of due process as he oversees an institution whose work directly affects public confidence in policing and the rule of law.
“Lead IPOA with independence. Lead with courage and fairness. You must be firm, impartial and evidence-based, and be respectful of due process,” Koome said.
Her message comes as IPOA prepares to handle growing expectations over investigations into police conduct, deaths resulting from police action and complaints against members of the National Police Service.
Ojwang takes over after six-month transition
Ojwang’s appointment follows a transition period that began after Justice Hassan left the IPOA chairpersonship in February 2026.
IPOA Vice Chairperson Anne Wanjiku Mwangi subsequently served in an acting capacity while the process of recruiting a substantive chairperson was undertaken. Parliament approved Ojwang’s nomination on August 19 after his vetting by the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security.
During his vetting, Ojwang pledged to safeguard IPOA’s independence while working with the National Police Service and other institutions to improve policing and restore public confidence.
He also proposed greater use of technology, including body cameras and CCTV systems, to strengthen evidence gathering and accountability.
“I believe I am courageous. I speak truth. Trust me with that responsibility. We will speak truth to power,” Ojwang told the parliamentary committee.
2027 election puts IPOA under pressure
The new chairperson assumes office less than a year before the 2027 General Election, when policing, protests, political rallies and the protection of civil liberties are likely to place increased demands on IPOA.
The authority is mandated to provide civilian oversight of the National Police Service, investigate complaints and deaths arising from police action, and promote accountability within the service.
This makes timely investigations and effective complaints handling among the key tests facing Ojwang’s leadership.
The new chairperson has also stressed the importance of maintaining public confidence while ensuring that IPOA remains independent of the institutions it oversees.
A legal and policy background
Ojwang brings experience in law, human rights, governance and academia to the position.
He has taught law at the University of Nairobi and Africa Nazarene University and previously served as Dean of the School of Law at Africa Nazarene University. His work has also included participation in governance and public policy processes, including the National Dialogue Committee process.
His appointment therefore places a legal and policy scholar at the helm of Kenya’s principal civilian police oversight institution.
For Ojwang, the immediate challenge will be turning his promise to “speak truth to power” into stronger investigations, credible oversight and greater public confidence in IPOA.
