Ruto Gazettes 15 Appeal Court Judges to Tackle Case Backlog
News Updated: 27 January 2026 19:29 EAT
H. E President William Samoei Ruto
President William Ruto has appointed 15 judges to the Court of Appeal, marking one of the most significant expansions of Kenya’s appellate bench in recent years. The appointments were formalised through a special issue of the Kenya Gazette dated January 27, 2026, in line with constitutional provisions.
The new appointments increase the number of Court of Appeal judges from 27 to 42, a move aimed at strengthening the capacity of the judiciary and accelerating the disposal of a growing backlog of appeals across the country.
Among the appointees is senior advocate Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa, who has previously represented President Ruto in high-profile legal matters, drawing public attention to the composition of the new bench.
Also appointed is Ahmed Issack Hassan, the outgoing chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and former chair of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bringing extensive public service experience to the appellate court.
High Court Judge Enock Chacha Mwita has also been elevated to the Court of Appeal, joining several other judges promoted from different divisions of the superior courts.
The list of appointees includes Justices Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi, Mathews Nduma Nderi, Linnet Mumo Ndolo, Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna, Samson Odhiambo Okongo, Rachel Chepkoech Ngetich, and Stephen Andersen Radido Okiyo.
Others named in the Gazette notice are Brown Murungi Kairaria, Paul Lilan, Johnson Okoth Okello, Munyao Sila, and Byram Ongaya, reflecting a mix of judges drawn from the bench and senior advocates from private practice.
The appointments followed a Judicial Service Commission recruitment process that involved public advertisement of vacancies, shortlisting, public participation, and interviews that were conducted openly and broadcast online.
The JSC has previously stated that candidates for the Court of Appeal are assessed on professional competence, integrity, legal experience, sound judgment, and commitment to constitutional values and the rule of law.
Chief Justice Martha Koome, who chairs the JSC, has consistently maintained that judicial appointments are guided by merit, fairness, inclusivity, and regional and gender balance, as required by the Constitution.
The expansion is expected to allow more appellate benches to sit concurrently in different stations, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Nyeri, improving access to justice nationwide.
Judicial officials have acknowledged that the Court of Appeal has faced mounting pressure from an increasing number of appeals, compounded by a limited number of judges in recent years.
With the appointments now gazetted, the 15 judges are awaiting formal swearing-in ceremonies before assuming their duties on the appellate bench.
Once sworn in, the new judges will join the country’s second-highest court, which plays a critical role in shaping Kenya’s jurisprudence and determining appeals from the High Court.
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FELIX MAKONA
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