The Supreme Court of Kenya has lifted its lifetime ban on Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi, allowing him and his law firm to practice before the apex court again. The ruling on Friday, January 23, follows assurances from the lawyer of reformed conduct after a previous ban in January 2024.

• The ban was imposed due to Ahmednasir Abdullahi's "prolonged campaign of public attacks and unethical remarks" against the judiciary.
• Chief Justice Martha Koome had previously cited his accusations of "graft and incompetence" against the court.
• The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) had deemed the initial ban unconstitutional, arguing it undermined fundamental rights.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has nominated 15 individuals for the position of Judge of the Court of Appeal, significantly boosting the court's capacity. Among the prominent nominees is Joseph Katwa Kigen, a senior counsel who has represented President William Ruto.

• The nominations will increase the number of Court of Appeal judges from 27 to 42.
• Other notable nominees include High Court judge Chacha Mwita and Lady Justice Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi.
• The JSC stated the recruitment process, transmitted live for transparency, adhered to the Judicial Service Act, 2011, and constitutional principles including merit, integrity, and gender parity.

Katiba Institute has filed a lawsuit against the Executive and Legislature in Kenya, alleging consistent violations of the Constitution and prior court rulings regarding the appointment of members to statutory tribunals. The institute contends that these appointments should exclusively be made by the Judicial Service Commission, not the Executive or specific Cabinet Secretaries.

• The lawsuit challenges the recent appointment of a member to the National Environment Tribunal by the Cabinet Secretary for Environment.
• It also contests clauses in the Gambling Control Act, 2025, which grant appointment powers to the President and a Cabinet Secretary for the Gambling Appeals Tribunal.
• Katiba Institute emphasizes that judicial precedent clearly states tribunals are part of the Judiciary, and their members must be appointed by the Judicial Service Commission.