The National Assembly has approved Dr Duncan Ojwang Oburu as the new chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
The decision clears an important hurdle for Ojwang, who was nominated by President William Ruto in July 2026 to take charge of the police oversight body.
Ojwang will take over from Justice Ahmed Issack Hassan, who left the IPOA chairperson position after being appointed as a Judge of the Court of Appeal.
His approval comes after he appeared before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security for vetting on August 12.
During the session, Ojwang promised MPs that he would protect the independence of IPOA and ensure that the authority performs its duties without interference.
He told the committee that he was ready to speak the truth and defend the rights of Kenyans. He also said IPOA should remain independent when investigating complaints against police officers.
Ojwang said cooperation between IPOA and the National Police Service was important, but such cooperation should not mean that the oversight body becomes answerable to police commanders.
He also identified police brutality and deaths in police custody as issues that require serious attention.
However, his nomination was not without controversy. Questions were raised about whether he meets the legal requirements for the position, particularly regarding his qualifications and status as an advocate in Kenya.
Ojwang defended his qualifications during the vetting, explaining that he is a law scholar with three law degrees from the United States and more than 10 years of experience teaching law at Kenyan universities.
Despite the concerns raised, the parliamentary committee found him suitable for the position and recommended that the National Assembly approve his appointment.
With Parliament now giving its approval, Ojwang is expected to proceed to the next stage before officially taking up the IPOA chairperson position.
His appointment comes at an important time when police accountability and public confidence in law enforcement remain major issues in Kenya.
As the new IPOA chairperson, Ojwang will be expected to ensure that complaints against police officers are properly investigated and that the rights of Kenyans are protected.