Katwa Kigen leads race for Supreme Court vacancy

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President William Ruto’s ICC defence lawyer, Justice Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa, is among six candidates vying for a vacancy at the Supreme Court of Kenya, following the recent death of Justice Mohamed Ibrahim.

Justice Katwa, who was recently appointed to the Court of Appeal, faces competition from Justice Francis Kipruto Tuiyott, currently serving at the Court of Appeal, Justice Joseph Kiplagat Sergon, also at the Court of Appeal, and Justice Mohammed Warsame, a Court of Appeal judge.

There is Ms Anne Waceke Kiratu Makori, the former Chief Executive Officer at the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), and Ms Lilian Wanjiku Wachira, a senior lawyer with extensive litigation experience.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) invited applications in January 2026 and received six submissions by the February 17 deadline.

It plans to hold stakeholder engagements on March 23 ahead of shortlisting and will subsequently announce interview dates.

Justice Katwa Kigen’s entry into the race has drawn attention due to his high-profile work defending President Ruto at the International Criminal Court.

Analysts and legal observers say his track record, combined with recent judicial experience, positions him as a frontrunner, though the selection process will weigh merit, integrity, and judicial temperament.

Justice Francis Tuiyott has served as a Court of Appeal judge since 2018, presiding over several landmark constitutional matters.

Justice Joseph Sergon, elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2017, is known for his rulings on electoral and administrative law.

Justice Mohammed Abdullahi Warsame, appointed to the Court of Appeal in 2020, has handled critical human rights and commercial law cases.

Ms Anne Makori brings oversight expertise from her leadership at IPOA, where she monitored police accountability and governance reforms.

Ms Lilian Wanjiku Wachira, a seasoned advocate, has represented clients in complex civil and constitutional litigation and sits on several legal committees.

The Supreme Court vacancy offers a unique opportunity to shape Kenya’s apex judiciary at a time when constitutional interpretation and electoral disputes remain central to national stability.

The next appointee will influence not only landmark rulings but also public confidence in the justice system.

The JSC will now engage stakeholders and legal bodies to ensure a transparent, merit-based selection before conducting interviews and submitting recommendations to the President.