Former President Ruto’s Lawyer Kigen Katwa Among 15 Candidates Nominated for Court of Appeal Judge Slot.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has nominated 15 candidates for appointment as judges of the Court of Appeal, a list that includes prominent advocates and senior judges, among them Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa, a former lawyer to President William Ruto and Ahmed Issack Hassan, the current chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
The nominations, released by the commission, draw from both the High Court bench and private legal practice as part of an ongoing process to fill vacancies at the appellate court.
Judicial officers nominated from the High Court include Lady Justice Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi, Justice Mathews Nduma Nderi, Lady Justice Linnet Mumo Ndolo, Justice Enock Chacha Mwita, Lady Justice Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna, Justice Samson Odhiambo Okongo, Lady Justice Rachel Chepkoech Ngetich, Justice Stephen Andersen Radido Okiyo, Justice Munyao Sila and Justice Byram Ongaya.
Also shortlisted are advocates Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa, Brown Murungi Kairaria, Paul Lilan, and Johnson Okoth Okello, alongside Ahmed Issack Hassan, whose nomination comes while serving as head of IPOA, a constitutional body mandated to oversee police conduct.
The JSC is constitutionally tasked with recruiting, vetting and recommending judges for appointment.
Following the nominations, the candidates are expected to undergo further scrutiny, including public participation and interviews, before successful names are forwarded to the President for appointment in line with the Constitution.
The Court of Appeal hears appeals from the High Court and other superior courts, and the fresh nominations come amid efforts to ease case backlogs and enhance the court’s capacity.
The Judicial Service Commission is expected to announce timelines for interviews and public submissions on the shortlisted candidates in the coming days.
