KHRC Appoints Maina Kiai as New Chairperson in Major Leadership Reshuffle
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has announced a significant leadership change by appointing renowned human rights activist Maina Kiai as the new Chairperson of its Board of Directors.
In an official statement released on Thursday, August 7, KHRC revealed that Kiai will be taking over from Davinder Lamba, who has held the position since 2022. Betty Okero will serve as his deputy.
KHRC said that Kiai’s deep background and vast experience in championing human rights make him the ideal person to steer the organization, especially during a period marked by widespread governance issues and rising levels of corruption in the country.
“He is assuming leadership in the human rights space at a critical moment when both the nation and the region are facing intense threats from poor governance. These include serious violations of basic freedoms and an alarming rise in high-level corruption,” KHRC stated.
The commission praised outgoing chair Davinder Lamba for his service, describing him as a “battle-hardened human rights general” whose firm and strategic leadership helped KHRC navigate many difficult times. “We deeply appreciate Lamba’s tireless commitment and wise leadership throughout his tenure,” the statement added.
Maina Kiai brings a wealth of experience to the role. He previously served as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association.
He was also the first Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). Additionally, Kiai held the role of Director of Alliances and Partnerships at Human Rights Watch.
Upon his appointment, Kiai pledged to be fully engaged in the defense of human rights across the country. He emphasized that he would not hesitate to stand up against powerful figures, including President William Ruto, if they infringe on people’s freedoms.
“Kenya is currently under siege by a government that fears its own people. But we will not be intimidated. I am committed to guiding KHRC to stand firm, to speak out, and to resist any individuals or systems — including the Ruto regime and its allies — that violate the Constitution and suppress freedoms and rights,” Kiai firmly declared.
This leadership transition at KHRC follows another major development in the country’s human rights landscape. Just two days earlier, on Tuesday, August 5, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula announced that President William Ruto had nominated Duncan Oburu Ojwang as the next Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
Wetang’ula told Parliament that he had submitted Ojwang’s curriculum vitae and supporting documents to the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs for vetting. “The Speaker, Moses Masika Wetang’ula, E.G.H., MP, has officially forwarded the nominee’s credentials, along with the report of the selection panel and other relevant documents, to the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee for further examination,” read a statement from Parliament.
However, this nomination quickly faced legal resistance. On the following day, KHRC — in partnership with the Katiba Institute — filed a petition at the High Court challenging Ojwang’s nomination.
In their petition, KHRC argued that the appointment violates Article 250(11) of the Constitution, which requires that the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of any independent constitutional commission be of opposite genders. Since the current Vice-Chairperson of KNCHR, Raymond Nyeris, is male, appointing another male as chair would breach this gender rule.
The case now adds another layer to Kenya’s human rights and governance debate, at a time when watchdog institutions are under pressure to uphold constitutional values amidst growing concerns over state overreach.
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