John Cox Lorionokou has been appointed as the new Registrar of Political Parties in a fresh round of high-profile government changes announced by President William Ruto.
In a gazette notice released on Friday, October 3, 2025, the Head of State named Cox to serve a six-year term, replacing Ann Nderitu, who left the office earlier this year after being appointed a Commissioner at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Cox, a seasoned election manager, has worked at the IEBC as a Constituency Elections Coordinator for more than 15 years. A graduate of Maseno University, he is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Governance and Ethics at Mt Kenya University and has completed senior management training at the Kenya School of Government.
“I am honoured by the trust placed in me to steer political party registration and regulation at such a critical time for the country’s democracy,” Cox said after his appointment.
President Ruto also named Agatha Wahome as the new Assistant Registrar of Political Parties.
In the same announcement, the President unveiled a string of new ambassadorial and high commission appointments.
Those tapped for the diplomatic roles include Anthony Muchiri, Florence Bore, Lucy Kiruthu and Henry Wambuma, alongside Abdirashid Abdille, Joseph Masila, Edwin Afande, Jayne Jepkorir Toroitich and Judy Kiaria Nkumiri.
Ruto further appointed Claris Awuor Ogangah as the new Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) for a six-year term.
Claris replaces Roseline Odede, who passed away in January after a short illness.
Odede had served as the Commission’s chair for four years and was widely praised for championing human rights during her tenure.
Before stepping into the KNCHR role, Ogangah was the Deputy Country Representative and Human Rights Specialist at the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The appointments follow the approval of the candidates by the National Assembly’s Committee on Appointments.
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