President Ruto Appoints Katwa Kigen, Issack Hassan, 13 Other Judges to the Court of Appeal
Quote from Lawyer on January 28, 2026, 3:49 amPresident William Ruto has appointed 15 new judges to the Court of Appeal, significantly strengthening the appellate court's capacity to address a long-standing backlog of cases.
The appointments, announced through a gazette notice published on January 27, 2026, increase the number of judges at the Court of Appeal from 27 to 42. This expansion aims to enable the establishment of more benches across the court's six stations, allowing faster handling of appeals in civil, criminal, and commercial matters.
The appointees, all of whom were shortlisted and vetted by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) following a competitive recruitment process, are:
- Hedwig Imbosa Ong'udi
- Mathews Nduma Nderi
- Linnet Mumo Ndolo
- Enock Chacha Mwita
- Samson Odhiambo Okongo
- Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna
- Rachel Chepkooch Ngetich
- Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa
- Stephen Andersen Radido Okiyo
- Brown Murungi Kairaria
- Ahmed Issack Hassan
- Paul Lilan
- Munyao Sila
- Johnson Okoth Okello
- Byram Ongava
The Judicial Service Commission conducted interviews and evaluations based on criteria including professional competence, integrity, fairness, good judgment, legal and life experience, as well as a commitment to public service, the rule of law, and constitutionalism. The process adhered to the Judicial Service Act of 2011 and relevant regulations, with decisions guided by constitutional principles such as merit, gender parity, inclusivity, and regional balance.
Notable among the new judges are Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa, a seasoned litigator with experience in high-profile cases, and Ahmed Issack Hassan, the outgoing chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), who previously served as chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The appointments were made under Article 166(1)(b) of the Constitution of Kenya. The new judges are expected to be sworn in on dates to be communicated by the Judiciary.
This move is seen as a key step toward improving judicial efficiency, as the Court of Appeal serves as the final court for the vast majority of cases in Kenya, with only a small fraction advancing to the Supreme Court. The additional judges are anticipated to help clear delays that have affected the timely delivery of justice in appellate matters.
President William Ruto has appointed 15 new judges to the Court of Appeal, significantly strengthening the appellate court's capacity to address a long-standing backlog of cases.
The appointments, announced through a gazette notice published on January 27, 2026, increase the number of judges at the Court of Appeal from 27 to 42. This expansion aims to enable the establishment of more benches across the court's six stations, allowing faster handling of appeals in civil, criminal, and commercial matters.
The appointees, all of whom were shortlisted and vetted by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) following a competitive recruitment process, are:
- Hedwig Imbosa Ong'udi
- Mathews Nduma Nderi
- Linnet Mumo Ndolo
- Enock Chacha Mwita
- Samson Odhiambo Okongo
- Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna
- Rachel Chepkooch Ngetich
- Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa
- Stephen Andersen Radido Okiyo
- Brown Murungi Kairaria
- Ahmed Issack Hassan
- Paul Lilan
- Munyao Sila
- Johnson Okoth Okello
- Byram Ongava
The Judicial Service Commission conducted interviews and evaluations based on criteria including professional competence, integrity, fairness, good judgment, legal and life experience, as well as a commitment to public service, the rule of law, and constitutionalism. The process adhered to the Judicial Service Act of 2011 and relevant regulations, with decisions guided by constitutional principles such as merit, gender parity, inclusivity, and regional balance.
Notable among the new judges are Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa, a seasoned litigator with experience in high-profile cases, and Ahmed Issack Hassan, the outgoing chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), who previously served as chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The appointments were made under Article 166(1)(b) of the Constitution of Kenya. The new judges are expected to be sworn in on dates to be communicated by the Judiciary.
This move is seen as a key step toward improving judicial efficiency, as the Court of Appeal serves as the final court for the vast majority of cases in Kenya, with only a small fraction advancing to the Supreme Court. The additional judges are anticipated to help clear delays that have affected the timely delivery of justice in appellate matters.