Kenya's government has named Claris Awuor Ogangah-Onyango as deputy leader of the expert group examining compensation for demonstration victims, according to a Tuesday notice from Chief of Staff Felix Koskei. The human rights commission head replaces Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo, who stepped down from the position on October 6.
President William Ruto appointed Ogangah-Onyango to lead the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights on October 3. She holds more than 20 years of experience promoting social justice and gender equality across the region. Her background includes serving as deputy director of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Kenya, where she worked with government agencies and civil society groups.
Constitutional lawyer Makau Mutua chairs the 18-person panel created on August 25 with a 120-day mandate to develop systems for verifying and compensating people harmed during demonstrations since 2017. The group can also recommend prosecutions when evidence supports accountability measures. Odhiambo cited court orders halting the panel's work as her reason for leaving, while Amnesty International Kenya leader Irungu Houghton suspended his involvement following the same judicial decision. A Kerugoya court extended those restrictions through October 21, 2025.
President William Ruto appointed Ogangah-Onyango to lead the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights on October 3. She holds more than 20 years of experience promoting social justice and gender equality across the region. Her background includes serving as deputy director of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Kenya, where she worked with government agencies and civil society groups.
Constitutional lawyer Makau Mutua chairs the 18-person panel created on August 25 with a 120-day mandate to develop systems for verifying and compensating people harmed during demonstrations since 2017. The group can also recommend prosecutions when evidence supports accountability measures. Odhiambo cited court orders halting the panel's work as her reason for leaving, while Amnesty International Kenya leader Irungu Houghton suspended his involvement following the same judicial decision. A Kerugoya court extended those restrictions through October 21, 2025.
