Ruto’s lawyer Katwa Kigen leads JSC nominees for Court of Appeal judge

Senior counsel Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa — widely known for representing President William Ruto tops the list of candidates forwarded to the President for appointment as Judges of the Court of Appeal.

Mr Kigen is famous for representing Ruto at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.

His  legal career includes defending high‑profile clients in complex international and domestic cases, including in the Supreme Court and ICC.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) said on Thursday that upon conclusion of interviews, it had a full list of the 15 succesfu candudates fir appointment as judges of the Court of Appeal.

"JSC has forwarded the successful nominees to the President for formal appointment under the Constitution," said the statement.

Following Mr Kigen in the list is Ahmed Isaack Hassan, current Chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

Mr Hasaan is also the former chair of Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) during the 2010 referendum and later the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for the 2013 elections.

His public service and oversight roles make him one of the most experienced nominees from outside the bench.

Several serving High Court judges from across the country are among those nominated. They include Justice Enock Chacha Mwita — a High Court judge with experience handling constitutional and civil matters;  Lady Justice Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi, Justice Mathews Nduma Nderi, and Lady Justice Linnet Mumo Ndolo.

Others are Justice Samson Odhiambo Okongo, Lady Justice Rachel Chepkoech Ngetich, Lady Justice Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna, Justice Stephen Andersen Radido Okiyo, Justice Brown Murungi Kairaria, Justice Paul Lilan, Justice Munyao Sila, Justice Johnson Okoth Okello and Justice Byram Ongaya.

There are also several prominent legal practitioners drawn from private practice, tribunals and commissions.

The Court of Appeal is a critical pillar of Kenya’s judiciary, hearing appeals from the High Court and specialised courts.

It shapes binding jurisprudence on constitutional, commercial and human rights disputes.

The expanded bench is expected to ease pressure on the court’s docket and deliver more timely justice decisions.

Once appointed, the additions will expand the appellate bench, which currently sits below full capacity, to help reduce case backlogs and improve access to justice.

Nominees will assume office once formally appointed by the President and gazetted.