The Judiciary has formally inaugurated a section of the selection panel tasked with spearheading the recruitment of nominees for the position of Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, the Judiciary confirmed that Deputy Chief Registrar Paul Ndemo presided over the swearing-in ceremony held at the institution’s headquarters.
The four members sworn in include Lawrence Muiruri, Jackline Nekesa Makokha, Kathurima Hiram Kirimi, and Catherine Wameyo.
Principal Magistrate Sharon Mwayuli administered the oath of office, while the ceremony was witnessed by Principal Administrative Secretary Arthur Osiya.
“Deputy Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Paul Ndemo presided over the swearing-in of a section of members of the selection panel for the recruitment of nominees for appointment as the Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). They included: Lawrence Muiruri, Jackline Nekesa Makokha, Kathurima Hiram Kirimi and Catherine Wameyo. Principal Administrative Secretary Arthur Osiya witnessed the oath-taking ceremony that was administered by Principal Magistrate Sharon Mwayuli,” the statement reads.
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The panel’s formation comes in the wake of the death of KNCHR Chairperson Roseline Odede, who passed away on January 3, 2025, after a short illness.
In a statement issued at the time, Commission Vice Chairperson Raymond Nyeris mourned Odede as a dedicated human rights defender whose loss was deeply felt by the commission and the country.
“It is with shock and deep sorrow that I inform you of the demise of Roseline Odhiambo Odede, HSC, Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights… after a short illness,” Nyeris said.
He praised her tenure at the helm of KNCHR, saying her leadership inspired colleagues and strengthened the commission’s role in safeguarding the rights of Kenyans.
“Her untimely death is a big blow to the Commission and the Nation at large,” he added.
Odede’s legacy
Roseline Odede was a distinguished legal professional with decades of experience in human rights advocacy, governance, and gender justice.
An advocate of the High Court of Kenya, she was also a certified mediator, arbitrator, and Environmental and Social Impact Auditor.
Before joining KNCHR, she served as Vice Chairperson of the Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board and held leadership roles in several regional and international legal bodies, including the Law Society of Kenya, East Africa Law Society, FIDA Kenya, and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association.