Parthenon Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has nominated Senior Counsel Katwa Kigen, a long-time lawyer for President William Ruto, among 15 candidates proposed for appointment as Judges of the Court of Appeal.
The Judicial Service Commission has concluded its recruitment process for new Judges of the Court of Appeal, forwarding the names of 15 successful nominees to President William Ruto for formal appointment.
In a statement issued on Thursday, January 22, the JSC said the nominations were made in line with Article 166(1)(b) of the Constitution, which mandates the President to appoint judges upon recommendation by the Commission.
Among those nominated is Senior Counsel Katwa Kigen, a prominent advocate who has represented President Ruto for more than two decades and rose to international prominence as part of the defence team at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
JSC Defends Integrity of the Process
The Commission described the recruitment exercise as thorough and transparent, noting that it involved public advertisement of vacancies, public participation, live-streamed interviews, and extensive vetting.
“The recruitment process was rigorous, competitive, and guided by constitutional principles,” the JSC said, adding that merit, integrity, fairness, inclusivity, gender parity, and regional balance informed the final decision.
Candidates were assessed on professional competence, legal experience, communication skills, sound judgment, and commitment to public service, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.
Katwa Kigen’s Legal Track Record
Katwa Kigen was conferred with the rank of Senior Counsel in December 2025. Beyond the ICC proceedings, he also represented President Ruto during the 2022 presidential election petition.
In April 2025, Kigen withdrew his application for appointment as a commissioner of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), a move that drew public attention at the time.
Other High-Profile Nominees
Also nominated is Ahmed Issack Hassan, the former IEBC Chairperson and ex-chair of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
Lady Justice Linnet Mumo Ndolo, currently serving at the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC), is also on the list. Justice Ndolo, who has served in Nairobi and Mombasa, has a background in human rights advocacy.
Another notable nominee is High Court Judge Enock Chacha Mwita, widely known for several landmark constitutional rulings, including a decision blocking the 2024/2025 deployment of Kenyan police officers to Haiti. Justice Mwita received the CB Madan Award in 2025.
Full List Reflects Broad Judicial Experience
The nominees include judges drawn from different superior courts, among them Lady Justice Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi, the Presiding Judge of the Nakuru High Court, and Justice Mathews Nduma Nderi, the first Principal Judge of the ELRC.
Other nominees are Lady Justice Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna, Justice Samson Odhiambo Okongo, Lady Justice Rachel Chepkoech Ngetich, Justice Stephen Andersen Radido Okiyo, Justice Munyao Sila, Justice Byram Ongaya, Brown Murungi Kairaria, Paul Lilan, and Johnson Okoth Okello.
Boosting Capacity at the Court of Appeal
If approved and appointed, the new judges will increase the number of Court of Appeal judges from 27 to 42 — a move the JSC says is aimed at reducing case backlogs and improving access to justice.
“The Commission congratulates the nominees and appreciates all candidates and members of the public who participated in the process,” the statement said.
The appointments now await formal action by the President.
