15 Court of Appeal judges sworn in after Ruto’s appointment
By Mabonga Makhanu, January 28, 2026Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chair Issack Hassan and Advocate Katwa Kigen are among 15 others who have been sworn in as judges of the Court of Appeal.
The high-profile event at State House was presided over by President William Ruto, Chief Justice Martha Koome and other stakeholders within the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
The judges donned maroon ceremonial attire, with black stripes around the waist and matching black scarves around the neck.
During the ceremony, the judges took an oath to uphold the Constitution and carry out their duties as Court of Appeal judges without bias.
This comes a day after their appointment by the President
The appointments were confirmed through a gazette notice issued on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, by President William Samoei Ruto, in accordance with Article 166(1)(b) of the Constitution of Kenya.
“IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by Article 166 (1) (b) of the Constitution, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint,” the gazette notice read.
The other appointed judges are Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi, Mathews Nduma Nderi, Linnet Mumo Ndolo, Enock Chacha Mwita, Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna, Samson Odhiambo Okong’o, Rachel Chepkoech Ngetich, Stephen Andersen Radido Okiyo, Brown Murungi Kairaria, Paul Lilan, Munyao Sila, Johnson Okoth Okello, and Byram Ongaya.
The appointments follow a rigorous recruitment and vetting process conducted by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome and overseen by Attorney General Dorcas Oduor.
The recruitment exercise
The process involved public interviews, integrity vetting, and professional assessments to determine the suitability of candidates for the appellate court, one of Kenya’s most critical judicial institutions.
After the vigorous recruitment exercise which took place for a couple of days, the nominees were shortlisted and sent to the president for approval.
“The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has concluded the recruitment and selection process for the appointment of Judges of the Court of Appeal and is in the process of transmitting the names of the nominees to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya for appointment, in accordance with Article 166 (1) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010,” JSC stated.
The new judges are expected to strengthen the capacity of the Court of Appeal, which continues to face a growing backlog of cases and increasing demand for judicial services.