President Ruto appoints 15 Court of Appeal judges

President William Ruto has appointed 15 judges to the Court of Appeal, following the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) 's recommendation.

In Gazette Notice dated January 27, 2026, the President said the appointments were made in accordance with the Constitutional process.

Others are High Court Judge Chacha Mwita, Lady Justice Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi, Justice Mathews Nduma Nderi, Lady Justice Linnet Mumo Ndolo, Lady Justice Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna, Justice Samson Odhiambo Okongo and Lady Justice Rachel Chepkoech Ngetich.

Also on the list are Justice Stephen Andersen Radido Okiyo, Brown Murungi Kairaria, Paul Lilan, Justice Munyao Sila, Johnson Okoth Okello and Justice Byram Ongaya. 

JSC had said the interviews marked the final stage of a process that included public advertisement of vacancies, public participation before shortlisting, live-streamed interviews and comprehensive vetting, conducted in line with the Constitution, the Judicial Service Act and applicable regulations.

The Commission said it was guided by constitutional principles of merit, integrity, fairness, gender parity, inclusivity and regional balance, with candidates assessed on professional competence, communication skills, integrity, sound judgment, legal and life experience, and commitment to public service, the rule of law and constitutionalism.

With the appointments, the number of judges at the Court of Appeal will increase from 27 to 42, a move the JSC said is expected to enhance the Court’s capacity, reduce the backlog of appeals and improve access to justice through faster hearing and determination of cases.