The Standing Committee is chaired by Prof. Onesimus Mutungi, a law professor. Members are drawn from a broad representation of ethnicities and backgrounds. They include Mr. Norman Brooks, an industrialist and commercial farmer; Prof. H.W.O. Okoth-Ogendo, a law professor; Ms. Martha Mugambi, a social worker and women's rights activist; Amb. Denis Afande, a retired Ambassador and civil servant; Rev. John Gichinga, an active member in the religious community; Prof. Mohammed Bakari, a professor of linguistics; Mr. M.Z.A. Malik, a practicing lawyer; Prof. Kamuti Kiteme, a professor on African studies; and Ms. Philomena Chelagat Mutai, a former member of parliament. Mr. Thuita Mwangi serves as the secretary.

None of the commissioners appointed had robust human rights credentials or records of commitment to human rights. There was no consultation or cooperation with the human rights NGO community in the selection process. Of greater concern was that as presidential appointees, the new commissioners would not have the authority to assert their independence from the government.