The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has congratulated Justice Gatembu Kairu following his election as the new President of the Court of Appeal.

In a statement posted on X on Monday, June 22, 2026, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Charles Kanjama congratulated Justice Gatembu Kairu on his election as President of the Court of Appeal.

Kanjama said the society welcomed Kairu’s elevation to the position, expressed hope that the new leadership would strengthen judicial independence, build public confidence in the administration of justice, and advance the constitutional goal of access to justice for all Kenyans.

He further wished Justice Kairu success as he assumes leadership of the country’s second-highest court.

“On behalf of the Law Society of Kenya, I extend our warmest congratulations to Hon. Justice Gatembu Kairu, FCIArb, on his decisive election as the new President of the Court of Appeal,” the statement read in part.

Justice Kairu was elected to succeed Justice Daniel Musinga, whose term ended on May 24, 2026.

Justice Gatembu Kairu secured 26 votes out of 41 ballots cast in the internal election conducted by judges of the Court of Appeal.

He defeated Lady Justice Lydia Achode, Justice Patrick Kiage, and Lady Justice Agnes Murgor in the contest. The Judiciary of Kenya confirmed the outcome in an official statement on X, describing the election as closely followed within the legal sector.

The voting process was conducted through a secret ballot and overseen by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), as part of the judiciary’s internal leadership selection framework.

Profile of Justice Gatembu

Justice Gatembu Kairu was appointed to the Court of Appeal in 2012 after a long career in private legal practice, academia, and arbitration. He holds an LLB from the University of Nairobi and an LLM from Boston University, and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb).

Before joining the bench, he lectured at the University of Nairobi School of Law, teaching civil procedure, banking law, and alternative dispute resolution. Within the Judiciary, he has served on various committees focused on judicial reforms and case management improvements.

The Court of Appeal serves as Kenya’s second-highest court, handling appellate matters, constitutional questions, and significant legal disputes. The President of the court provides administrative leadership and coordination of judicial functions.

Legal stakeholders have noted that the leadership of the Court of Appeal plays a key role in shaping jurisprudence and ensuring efficient case handling across the appellate system.

Kanjama’s statement highlighted expectations around strengthening judicial independence and improving public confidence in the justice system.

Justice Kairu assumes office following his election, with stakeholders expected to follow his administrative and judicial priorities in the coming months.