Ruto’s Lawyer Among 15 Nominees for Court of Appeal Judge Positions
2 min read
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has completed its latest recruitment process for Judges of the Court of Appeal and released the names of 15 candidates shortlisted for appointment.
In an announcement made on Thursday, January 22, the commission confirmed that the selection exercise had officially come to an end, paving the way for the final appointment stage.
One of the most high-profile nominees is Joseph Katwa Kigen, a senior counsel known for representing President William Ruto in major legal cases. Kigen currently serves as the chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
The shortlist also features High Court judge Chacha Mwita, who is seeking elevation to the country’s second-highest court. Other nominees include Lady Justice Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi, Justice Mathews Nduma Nderi, Lady Justice Linnet Mumo Ndolo, and Lady Justice Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna.
Additional names on the list are Justice Samson Odhiambo Okongo, Lady Justice Rachel Chepkoech Ngetich, Justice Stephen Andersen Radido Okiyo, Brown Murungi Kairaria, Paul Lila, Justice Munyao Sila, Johnson Okoth Okello, and Justice Byram Ongaya.
Chief Justice Martha Koome, who chairs the JSC, stated that the recruitment process was conducted in strict accordance with the Judicial Service Act of 2011 and all relevant regulations. She noted that the interviews were broadcast live to promote openness and public confidence in the process.
According to the commission, the final decisions were guided by constitutional values such as merit, integrity, fairness, gender balance, inclusivity, and regional representation.
Once appointed, the new judges are expected to significantly strengthen the Court of Appeal, increasing its membership from 27 to 42 judges and improving its ability to handle the growing case backlog.
The JSC congratulated the successful nominees and expressed appreciation to all applicants, members of the public, and institutions that submitted memoranda during the process. The commission reiterated its commitment to transparent and efficient administration of justice.
The list of nominees will now be forwarded to President William Ruto, who is constitutionally required under Article 166(1)(b) of the 2010 Constitution to formally appoint judges nominated by the JSC.
Click to Join Our WhatsApp Channel
Click to Join Our WhatsApp Channel.
