Dr. Duncan Ojwang Oburu has today taken charge of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, after he was sworn in as the fourth Chairperson since its establishment in 2012.
In a ceremony presided over by Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya, Hon. Justice Martha Koome, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Hon. Winfridah Mokaya administered the oath office at Supreme Court.
Dr. Oburu was appointed by H.E President William Ruto after approval by Parliament, will lead the Authority for the next six years.
Speaking during the ceremony, Chief Justice Hon. Justice Martha Koome said the oath taken by Dr. Ojwang was a solemn undertaking to serve the people of Kenya impartially, faithfully and with diligence, in accordance with the Constitution. “I urge you to take this responsibility with humility, courage and unwavering commitment to the Constitution,” the Chief Justice said.
She noted that Dr. Ojwang was assuming leadership of an institution whose mandate is central to the protection of the rights of the people and the rule of law in the country, urging him to ensure that policing is conducted professionally, lawfully and with dignity. “Through your mandate, you will be able to remind the police that they are in service of the people. Lead IPOA with independence. Lead with courage and fairness. You must be firm, impartial and evidence-based, and be respectful of due process,” she said.
The Chief Justice further emphasised the importance of strong institutions in upholding the Constitution, noting that collaboration and cooperation among institutions and stakeholders would be critical in serving Kenyans. “This country will stand on the strength of its institutions. This is what our Constitution requires. We must strengthen our institutions. It is through collaboration and cooperation that we will be able to serve Kenyans,” she said.
Dr. Ojwang takes over at a significant moment for policing oversight in Kenya, succeeding Hon. Justice Ahmed Issack Hassan, who relinquished the IPOA Chairpersonship in February 2026 following his appointment as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. His assumption of office follows a process that commenced in July 2026, when His Excellency President Dr. William Samoei Ruto constituted a panel to identify, interview and recommend suitable candidates. Following the panel’s recommendations, the President nominated Dr. Ojwang to chair the Authority and submitted his name to the National Assembly for vetting.
The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, chaired by Narok West MP Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo, subjected Dr. Ojwang to a public vetting in August 2026, where he outlined his vision for the Authority and responded to questions from Members of Parliament on his suitability for the position. During the vetting, Dr. Ojwang pledged to safeguard IPOA’s independence and ensure that the Authority remains firm in holding the police to account while maintaining constructive engagement with the National Police Service.
Among other matters, he also spoke about the need to strengthen the use of technology in policing and oversight, including the deployment of body cameras and CCTV systems as measures that could contribute to greater accountability and help address cases of police brutality and deaths in custody. The parliamentary committee found him suitable for appointment and recommended his appointment. The National Assembly subsequently adopted the Committee’s report on August 19th, clearing the way for his appointment.
President Ruto formally appointed Dr. Ojwang as Chairperson of IPOA through a Gazette Notice dated August 31, 2026.
A New Chapter for IPOA
Dr. Ojwang assumes the leadership of IPOA after a period of transition occasioned by the departure of Justice Hassan who resigned in February. Following his departure, IPOA Vice Chairperson Anne Wanjiku Mwangi assumed the Chairpersonship in an acting capacity as the process of identifying and appointing a chairperson proceeded.
Justice Hassan had served as IPOA Chairperson from late 2024 until his appointment to the Judiciary. His departure marked a change in leadership at an institution whose mandate includes providing civilian oversight over the National Police Service, investigating complaints and deaths resulting from police action, and promoting accountability within the Service. Dr. Ojwang now assumes the responsibility of steering that mandate while strengthening public confidence in police oversight and ensuring that IPOA continues to discharge its functions independently, impartially and in accordance with the law.
His background combines legal scholarship, public policy and governance. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Law and Policy from the University of Arizona, a Master of Laws in Human Rights and International Law from Indiana University and a Juris Doctor degree from Southern Illinois University. He has also served in academia, including as a lecturer at the University of Nairobi and as Dean and Senior Lecturer at Africa Nazarene University. Beyond academia, Dr. Ojwang has been involved in public policy and governance processes. He was among individuals who provided technical support during the National Dialogue Committee process and has also been associated with public-sector and legal policy work.
The Road Ahead
His appointment comes as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Elections in which police accountability and civilian oversight are significantly called to task. For IPOA, the new leadership presents an opportunity to consolidate gains made in strengthening police accountability while responding to emerging challenges in oversight, including the increasing demand for timely investigations, effective complaints handling, criminal infiltration of protests and meaningful feedback to clients.
In his remarks, Dr. Ojwang emphasised the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in improving policing, noting that the highest office is the sovereign office of the citizens and that they deserve to be policed with dignity and professionalism. He said he would work with fellow Board members, IPOA staff and stakeholders, including the public, in implementing the Authority’s Strategic Plan. He also underscored the need for the police authority to be respected by citizens.
As he assumes office, Dr. Ojwang is expected to provide strategic leadership in advancing the Authority’s mandate and strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders while safeguarding the Authority’s independence. His pledge before Parliament to speak truth to power now moves from the vetting room to the institution he has been entrusted to lead. Dr. Ojwang assured the people of Kenya that, under his leadership, “truth will be spoken to power.”
His swearing-in therefore marks not only the beginning of Dr. Ojwang’s six-year tenure, but also a new chapter in the evolution of civilian oversight of policing in Kenya.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, Management and staff of IPOA, Vice Chairperson Ann Wanjiku Mwangi welcomed Dr. Ojwang to the Authority and expressed confidence that his experience, knowledge and perspective would add value to IPOA and the people of Kenya. “Welcome to IPOA. We’re confident that your experience, knowledge and perspective will add value to IPOA and to the people of Kenya,” she said.
“On behalf of the Board, Management and staff of IPOA, we look forward to your leadership as we execute this very important mandate,” she added.
Witnessing the swearing-in ceremony were the Vice Chairperson Ann Wanjiku Mwangi, Commissioners Dr. Micah Onyiego, Dr. Annette Mbogoh, Boniface Samati, Hon. Jackline Mwenesi, Hon. Muchiri Nyaga, Kenwilliams Nyakomittah and Chief Executive Officer Elema Halake.
