Amnesty and FIDA welcome Claris Ogangah as KNCHR chairperson

Amnesty International Kenya and FIDA-Kenya have welcomed Claris Awuor Ogangah as she assumes the role of Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

The called her leadership both timely and necessary for the country’s human rights journey.

In their statements on Monday, both organisations expressed confidence in her assuming the role following her appointment by President William Ruto, parliamentary vetting and approval in September, and the passing of the former Chairperson, Roseline Odede.

Amnesty Kenya praised Ms Ogangah’s credentials—“independence, tact and fairness,” citing their affidavit filed in August supporting her nomination. 

They said her stepping into office comes as many Kenyans increasingly demand transparency and accountability from public institutions.

 “We fully associate ourselves with your commitment to protect the Commission’s mandate from encroachment and to promote accountability and transparency in public service,” Amnesty said. 

“Your leadership offers renewed hope for the safeguarding of rights for all Kenyans.”

FIDA-Kenya also expressed its support via a post on X, stating:

“FIDA-Kenya proudly congratulates our Lifetime Member and former Deputy Executive Director, Claris Awuor Ogangah, on her assuming the role of Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.”

At her swearing-in ceremony in Nairobi, Ms Ogangah acknowledged the challenges ahead, saying she takes office at a moment when human rights are at the center of Kenya’s national discourse.

 “I assume this role at a time when human rights conversations are central to our nationhood,” she said.

 “Kenyans yearn not only for the protection of their rights but also for integrity, accountability, and restoration of trust in our public institutions.”

She outlined immediate priorities including strengthening KNCHR’s independence, expanding rights education.

She also promised to collaborate with civil society and government agencies, to ensure dignity and equality for all—especially the marginalised—and rebuilding public trust through transparency and active civic engagement.

Ms Ogangah succeeds the late Roseline Odede, whose death left a leadership void in the commission.

 Commissioners and interim leadership maintained operations during the transition period, a fact acknowledged by civil society actors in their remarks.

Her first tests will involve defending KNCHR’s mandate against political pressures, increasing institutional resources, and showing measurable action on rights issues such as freedom of expression, civic space, police accountability and equality before the law.