Duncan Ojwang Sworn In as IPOA Chairperson Ahead of 2027 Polls

Dr Duncan Oburu Ojwang has been sworn in as the new chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, taking over leadership of the police watchdog at a critical time as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.

Ojwang took the oath of office at the Supreme Court in a ceremony presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome and administered by Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya. His appointment by President William Ruto for a six-year term followed approval by the National Assembly on August 19, 2026 and gazettement on August 31.

He succeeds Justice Ahmed Issack Hassan who left IPOA in February after his appointment to the Court of Appeal. Following Hassan's exit, Vice Chairperson Ann Wanjiku Mwangi served as acting chairperson, steering the authority during a period marked by heightened scrutiny of police conduct.

During her tenure, Mwangi oversaw investigations into alleged police misconduct including deaths linked to operations, unlawful detentions and complaints arising from the May 18 fuel price protests and the June 25 Gen Z protests. IPOA also raised concerns over officers operating in plain clothes, wearing balaclavas and using vehicles with concealed plates during demonstrations, which it said violated court orders. She also led efforts to consolidate landmark court decisions on civilian oversight into an IPOA case digest.

Ojwang now inherits high expectations around police accountability and human rights. Chief Justice Koome urged him to lead IPOA with independence, courage, fairness and impartiality, and to ensure the National Police Service operates within the law while respecting the dignity of Kenyans. During vetting, Ojwang had pledged to protect IPOA's independence while maintaining constructive engagement with the police service, which is mandated to investigate complaints and deaths arising from police action and monitor policing operations.