President William Ruto has appointed lawyer Joseph Kipchumba Katwa and 14 others, including Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan, as judges of the Court of Appeal.
In a gazette notice issued on Tuesday, January 27, the President said he had exercised his constitutional authority under Article 166(1)(b) to make the appointments.
The full list of appointees includes Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi, Mathews Nduma Nderi, Linnet Mumo Ndolo, Enock Chacha Mwita, Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna, Samson Odhiambo Okongo, Rachel Chepkoech Ngetich, Stephen Andersen Radido Okiyo, Brown Murungi Kairaria, Paul Lilan, Munyao Sila, Johnson Okoth Okello, and Byram Ongaya.
President William Ruto Appoints 15 Court of Appeal Judges. Photo: Courtesy.
The appointments follow the conclusion of the Judicial Service Commission’s recruitment and selection process, with the names forwarded to the President for formal approval on January 22.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) said the selection process for the new Court of Appeal judges was rigorous, transparent, and competitive, involving public advertisement of vacancies, public participation, interviews, and thorough vetting in accordance with the Constitution, the Judicial Service Act, and relevant regulations.
JSC added that its decisions were guided by constitutional principles aimed at upholding the highest standards for Kenya’s judiciary.
Candidates were assessed based on professional competence, integrity, fairness, written and oral communication skills, judgment, legal and life experience, and a demonstrated commitment to public service, the rule of law, and constitutionalism, while also ensuring gender parity, inclusivity, and regional balance.
The commission noted that the newly appointed judges will expand the Court of Appeal, a move expected to enhance efficiency and reduce case backlogs.
