JSC receives six applications for Supreme Court vacancy after Justice Ibrahim’s death

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has received six applications for the vacant position of Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya, which was occasioned by the death of Justice Mohamed Ibrahim in December last year.

The JSC had advertised the position on January 27, with the application window closing on February 17, 2026.

The six applicants are; Justices Joseph Kiplagat Sergon, Warsame Abdulahi Mohammed, Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa, and Francis Kipruto Tuiyott.

Others were former Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Chair Anne Waceke Kiratu Makori and advocate Lilian Wanjiku Wachira.

“The Commission plans to undertake a stakeholder engagement on 23rd March, 2026 ahead of the shortlisting process and thereafter will provide a notification of interview dates for shortlisted candidates. The venue for the stakeholders meeting will be communicated,” stated the JSC.

Supreme Court Judge Ibrahim Mohammed passed away on December 17, 2025 following a short illness, just days before he was to proceed on terminal leave ahead of his mandatory retirement on January 1, 2026.

He had a distinguished 23-year judicial career marked by institutional reform, jurisprudential leadership, and a legacy of advancing access to justice.

The judge, who left behind a wife and four children, was laid to rest at the Kariakor Muslim cemetery in Nairobi the following day.

The successful candidate for Supreme Court judge will serve until the mandatory retirement age of 70 years, with an option for early retirement at 65.

According to JSC, the judge will earn a gross monthly salary ranging between Ksh.956,192 and Ksh.1,268,996, exclusive of benefits, as determined by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).