President William Ruto has appointed 20 Supreme Court judges who were recently appointed by the Judicial Service Commission.
The Judicial Service Commission recommended that the 12 men and eight women become High Court judges after interviewing 95 applicants, in a month-long process between April 3 and May 3.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 166 (1) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya, I, William Samoi Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Forces, appoint,” President Ruto said in the Official Gazette dated 9 May.
New judges
The new judges are John Loloatan Tamar, Francis Wech Andai, Julius Kipkosgei Ngarengware, Wendy Kagendo Michini, Emilie Onyando Omindi, Julius Mokot Nangia, Caroline Jebigin Kindagor, Stephen Nzisi Mbongi, Linus Bogun Kasane, and Mr. Joe Omido Mkoto. They were promoted from judges after successful interviews.
The others are Mr. Musa Ado Otieno, Ms. Alice Chepngitich Bit Soi, Mr. Benjamin Mwekia Musyuki, Ms. Helen Rafaela Namisi, Ms. Noelle Onditi Adaji Enziani, Rhoda Chirutich Ruto, Mr. Benjamin Kimani Njoroge and Mr. Andrew Bahati Mwamwe.
Two senior prosecutors from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Alexander Mwasia Mutiti and Tabitha Oya Wanyama, will also join the judiciary as judges of the High Court.
Case backlog
The Judicial Services Commission said the appointment of the 20 Supreme Court judges aims to enhance access to justice and promote the clearance of backlogs of cases. The Supreme Court currently has 78 judges serving in 45 stations across the country.
From June 3, the Judicial Service Commission will begin conducting interviews for the 11 advertised positions of Court of Appeal judges.
The committee shortlisted 82 applicants, but later shortlisted 41 candidates for interviews, including former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chair Ishaq Hassan.