President William Ruto has nominated John Cox Lorionokou as the new Registrar of Political Parties and Agatha Wanjiku Wahome as the Assistant Registrar of Political Parties.
In a statement released on Friday, August 15, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed announced that the President had also nominated Claris Awuor Onganga as the new chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
This follows Duncan Ojwang's decision to turn down the role, citing personal reasons and a perceived conflict of interest.
Ojwang had been nominated by President Ruto on August 5, after the position became vacant following the passing of the previous chairperson, Roseline Odhiambo Odede.
"In light of the foregoing, the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs is directed to cease any further consideration of the nominee," National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula told Members of Parliament on August 13.
The President has forwarded the names of the nominees to the National Assembly for consideration and approval, in accordance with the Constitution.
The nominations came just a week after the Public Service Commission (PSC) shortlisted 10 candidates for the Registrar position.
The candidates included Ali Abdullah Surrar, the current Acting Registrar of Political Parties, Sophia Sitati, Geoffrey Obonyo, Everlyne Koiyan, Alloys Ndege, Mercy Wambua, Dr. Manana Rodgers, Rahma Jillo, John Cox Lorionokou, and Florence Tabu Birya.
These candidates were interviewed on August 11, 2025, at the PSC offices on Harambee Avenue.
The Assistant Registrar position also attracted 10 shortlisted candidates: Seth Onyango, Simon Nyamolo, Josephine Ergaoe, Chebet Koske, Julius Cheche, Peter Muthui, Agatha Wahome, Mohammed Abdullahi Abdi, Robert Borter, and Gilbert Opanga.
The shortlisting process began weeks after Sophia Sitati was named Acting Registrar.
She took over after Ann Nderitu left the position to become a Commissioner at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
