In a significant boost to Kenya’s judiciary, President William Samoei Ruto has appointed 15 judges to the Court of Appeal, formalising the elevations through a special Kenya Gazette notice published today.
The appointments, made in exercise of powers under Article 166(1)(b) of the Constitution, follow recommendations from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), which concluded its rigorous recruitment process last week. Unlike past judicial standoffs, President Ruto has approved all 15 nominees without exception – a move welcomed as a step toward strengthening judicial independence and efficiency.
Among the new judges are high-profile figures:
– Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa, a longtime lawyer and close ally of President Ruto.
– Ahmed Issack Hassan, the outgoing chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and former IEBC chairman known for navigating contentious elections.
– Justice Enock Chacha Mwita, a respected High Court judge celebrated for bold rulings on constitutional matters.
The diverse bench includes seasoned High Court and Employment and Labour Relations Court judges, alongside accomplished legal practitioners.
Full List of Newly Appointed Court of Appeal Judges
1. Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi
2. Mathews Nduma Nderi
3. Linnet Mumo Ndolo
4. Enock Chacha Mwita
5. Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna
6. Samson Odhiambo Okong’o
7. Rachel Chepkoech Ngetich
8. Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa
9. Stephen Andersen Radido Okiyo
10. Brown Murungi Kairaria
11. Ahmed Issack Hassan
12. Paul Lilan
13. Munyao Sila
14. Johnson Okoth Okello
15. Byram Ongaya
The recruitment drive began in June 2025 when JSC advertised 15 vacancies, attracting 94 applications. After shortlisting 35 candidates for interviews, the commission forwarded the final 15 names to State House on January 22.
These appointments address persistent case backlogs at the appellate level and align with ongoing efforts to expand the Court of Appeal’s capacity for faster justice delivery.
Legal analysts praise the swift action, noting it signals improved Executive-Judiciary relations under President Ruto’s administration.
The new judges are expected to be sworn in soon, further solidifying Kenya’s superior courts.
