Kenya's President appoints 20 High Court judges

NAIROBI, Kenya

The new high court judges recently nominated by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) have been appointed.

The appointment of the 20 judges is contained in a Gazette notice dated May 9.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 166 (1) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint… to be Judges of the High Court of Kenya,” the notice reads.

They are Moses Ado Otieno, Alice Chepngetich Bett Soi, Benjamin Mwikya Musyoka, John Lolwatan Tamar, Francis Weche Andayi, Andrew Bahati Mwamuye, Julius Kipkosgei Ng'arng'ar, Wendy Kagendo Micheni, Emily Onyando Ominde, Helene Rafaela Namisi, Alexander Muasya Mutetiand and Julius Mukut Nangea.

Others are Benjamin Kimani Njoroge, Caroline Jepyegen Kendagor, Stephen Nzisi Mbungi, Linus Poghon Kassan, Noel Onditi Adagi Inziani, Tabitha Ouya Wanyama, Rhoda Cherotich Ruto and Joe Omido Mkutu.

JSC forwarded the names of the judges to the president a week ago following the conclusion of the vetting process.

Commission chairperson who doubles up as Chief Justice Martha Koome said the nomination followed lengthy deliberations and consideration of the constitutional imperatives of merit, gender, regional/ethnic balance and affirmative action.

"The Commission congratulates the nominees and wishes to thank all the candidates, stakeholders and Kenyans for their participation in the recruitment and selection exercise," she said.

JSC advertised 20 vacancies in the Office of Judge of the High Court on October 13, 2023.

The Commission received a total of 305 applications and shortlisted 100 candidates upon the closure of the application window.

The Commission conducted the selection interviews between April 3, 2024 and May 3, 2024.

A total of 95 candidates were interviewed, 4 candidates withdrew their applications, and 1 candidate was appointed the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary.

Under Article 172 (1) (a) of the Constitution, the Judicial Service Commission is mandated to recommend to the President suitable persons for appointment as Judges.