The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) chairperson, Ahmed Issack Hassan, Justice Chacha Mwita, and renowned lawyer Katwa Kigen are among the 15 individuals who have been nominated by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) for appointment as judges of the Court of Appeal.

JSC, in a press statement issued on Thursday, January 22, 2026, said it had completed the recruitment and selection process of the judges and that it was in the process of transmitting the names of the nominees to President William Ruto for appointment.

“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.

JSC on recruitment process

JSC further noted that the recruitment process was rigorous, transparent, and competitive.

“The recruitment process was rigorous, transparent, competitive, and transmitted live. It also comprised public advertisement of vacancies, public participation before shortlisting, public interviews, and comprehensive vetting undertaken in line with the Constitution, the Judicial Service Act, and applicable regulations,” the statement read in part.

Chief Justice Martha Koome, in the statement, said that the candidates were evaluated on professional competence, written and oral communication skills, integrity, fairness, good judgment, legal and life experience, and a demonstrable commitment to public service, the rule of law, and constitutionalism.

Persons nominated for appointment as Court of Appeal judges

Below is the full list of the persons who have been nominated for appointment as judges of the Court of Appeal.

1. Lady Justice Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi
2. Justice Stephen Andersen Radido Okiyo
3. Justice Mathews Nduma Nderi
4. Brown Murungi Kairaria
5. Lady Justice Linnet Mumo Ndolo
6. Ahmed Issack Hassan
7. Justice Enock Chacha Mwita
8. Paul Lilan
9. Lady Justice Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna
10. Justice Munyao Sila
11. Justice Samson Odhiambo Okongo
12. Johnson Okoth Okello
13. Lady Justice Rachel Chepkoech Ngetich
14. Justice Byram Ongaya
15. Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa

JSC also noted that upon appointment, the additional Judges will increase the capacity of the Court of Appeal from 27 to forty-two 42 Judges, strengthening the Court’s ability to address the existing backlog of cases and enhancing access to justice through the timely hearing and determination of appeals.