President William Ruto has made bold moves by nominating three individuals for critical positions in Kenya’s governance framework. The announcement, made on August 15, 2025, targets the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), signaling a potential shift in the country’s political and human rights landscape.
New Faces in Political Parties Oversight
The President nominated Mr. John Cox Lorionokou as the new Registrar of Political Parties, a role pivotal in ensuring compliance and transparency among Kenya’s political entities. Alongside him, Ms. Agatha Wanjiku Mahome was tapped for the position of Assistant Registrar of Political Parties. These appointments, based on recommendations from the Public Service Commission, aim to strengthen the oversight of political parties ahead of the next election cycle.
Human Rights Commission Gets New Leadership
In a parallel development, President Ruto nominated Ms. Claris Awour Onganga as the proposed Chairperson of the KNCHR. Her nomination follows a rigorous selection process initiated via Kenya Gazette Notice No. 4651 of April 11, 2025. If approved by the National Assembly, Onganga will lead the commission at a time when human rights advocacy remains a pressing issue in Kenya.
Next Steps: Parliamentary Approval
The nominations have been forwarded to the National Assembly for vetting and approval, as mandated by law. The scrutiny process will determine whether these nominees meet the constitutional and professional thresholds for their respective roles.
Why This Matters
- Political Oversight: The Registrar of Political Parties plays a key role in enforcing party regulations, ensuring fair play in elections.
- Human Rights Advocacy: The KNCHR chairperson will influence Kenya’s stance on civil liberties and justice.
- Transparency Test: Parliament’s approval process will be closely watched for fairness and due diligence.
