Nairobi, 13 October 2025: Amnesty International Kenya extends its warm congratulations to Claris Ogangah for her appointment as the fifth Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. Her approval by the National Assembly in September and subsequent appointment by President William Ruto on 2 October 2025 marks a pivotal moment for Kenya’s human rights landscape. We celebrate this milestone with optimism and a renewed sense of solidarity between our two institutions.
Our 27 August affidavit in favour of your nomination cited our belief that you possess the independence, tact, and fairness necessary to lead KNCHR in line with its statutory mandate under Section 8 of the KNCHR Act, 2011. We are confident that your lifelong commitment to justice, integrity, and the protection of fundamental freedoms will guide the Commission through this critical and intense period.
We fully associate ourselves with your commitment before the National Assembly to protect the Commission’s mandate from encroachment and your obligation to lead an independent and vigilant oversight institution. In a time when civic space and constitutionalism face mounting pressure, your leadership offers renewed hope for accountability, transparency, and the safeguarding of rights for all Kenyans.
We thank Vice-Chairperson Raymond Nyeris, Commissioners, and Staff for their leadership during the gap occasioned by the passing away of our dear friend and human rights defender Roseline Odede. We reaffirm our readiness to collaborate with and advocate for a KNCHR that is fully funded, defends civil liberties, promotes inclusive governance, and advances justice for victims of state overreach and discrimination.
We look forward to working with your office to uphold the values enshrined in our constitution and international human rights instruments. May your tenure be marked by courage, compassion, and transformative impact.
In solidarity
Irũngũ Houghton
Amnesty International Kenya Section Director
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