The National Assembly has approved the nomination of Dr. Duncan Ojwang Oburu as the new Chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), paving the way for his appointment to lead the agency responsible for civilian oversight of Kenya’s police service.
Ojwang will succeed Justice Ahmed Issack Hassan, who relinquished the IPOA chairmanship after being appointed a Judge of the Court of Appeal.
President William Ruto nominated Ojwang in July 2026 and transmitted his name to Parliament for consideration and approval in accordance with the Constitution and the IPOA Act. Parliament subsequently referred the nomination to the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security.
Ojwang brings extensive experience in law, human rights, governance and public policy. He previously served as Dean of the School of Law at Africa Nazarene University and has taught law at both Africa Nazarene University and the University of Nairobi.
His areas of expertise include constitutional law, human rights, environmental law and law and development. He has also participated in governance and peacebuilding initiatives, including the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) process and the Tumaini mediation initiative aimed at supporting peace and political transition in South Sudan.
His appointment comes at a critical time for IPOA, which plays a key role in investigating complaints against police officers, monitoring policing operations and investigating deaths and serious injuries resulting from police action.
The Authority is also mandated to promote police accountability and professionalism and to make recommendations to relevant State agencies where investigations establish possible criminal or disciplinary responsibility.
Ojwang takes over from Hassan, who was appointed IPOA chairperson in December 2024. Hassan resigned in February 2026 after his appointment to the Court of Appeal, with IPOA Vice Chairperson Anne Wanjiku Mwangi assuming interim leadership as the recruitment process for a substantive chairperson got underway.
Hassan brought extensive experience to IPOA, having previously served as chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), among other senior public and legal positions. The Judiciary lists him as a Court of Appeal judge with more than three decades of legal experience.
Ojwang’s appointment is expected to place renewed focus on police accountability, public confidence in law enforcement and the implementation of reforms within the National Police Service.
IPOA’s mandate has become particularly significant as the Authority continues to investigate allegations of police misconduct, including deaths and serious injuries suspected to have resulted from police actions. Under its statutory mandate, the Authority can independently initiate investigations and forward its findings and recommendations to relevant State agencies.
With Parliament’s approval secured, Ojwang is now set to take over the leadership of the independent oversight body for a new phase focused on strengthening accountability and public trust in policing.
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