LIVE: President Ruto presides over swearing-in of new appellate judges
President William Ruto swears in 15 new judges to Kenya’s Court of Appeal, including nine promoted from the High Court, to strengthen access to justice...
✨ Key Highlights
President William Ruto oversaw the swearing-in of fifteen new appellate judges at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, January 28. This expansion aims to alleviate the severe shortage of judges in the Court of Appeal, which previously operated with significantly fewer judges than its statutory capacity.
- The appointments address an "acute shortage," with the court having 27 judges against a statutory capacity of 70.
- Notable appointees include Ahmed Issack Hassan (IPOA Chairman), Senior Counsel Katwa Kigen, and High Court judges Enock Chacha Mwita, Hedwig Ong’udi, and Mathews Nduma Nderi.
- The Judicial Service Commission (JSC), chaired by Chief Justice Martha Koome, emphasized merit, integrity, and inclusivity in the selection process, which involved 35 shortlisted candidates.
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President Ruto Swears in 15 Judges, Addresses Judiciary on Court Orders and Policy - January 2026
On Wednesday, January 28, President William Ruto presided over the swearing-in of fifteen new appellate judges at State House, Nairobi, to address a severe shortage in the Court of Appeal. During the ceremony, President Ruto affirmed his administration's commitment to upholding the rule of law and vowed never to defy court orders. However, he also publicly criticized the Kenyan Judiciary in front of Chief Justice Martha Koome, accusing judges of blocking key government projects and impeding his administration’s mandate. President Ruto also announced his intention to seek a court interpretation on the legal standing of political party manifestos in government policy implementation. This move aims to clarify how an electoral manifesto can guide policy when facing legal challenges.
