Ruto Appoints 15 Judges to Court of Appeal
President William Ruto has officially appointed 15 new judges to the Court of Appeal, marking a significant step toward strengthening Kenya’s judicial system and easing the growing backlog of cases.
The appointments were confirmed through a Gazette Notice dated January 27, in which President Ruto stated that he acted in accordance with Article 166(1)(b) of the Constitution of Kenya.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 166 (1) (b) of the Constitution, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint—” read part of the Gazette notice.
List of Appointed Court of Appeal Judges
The 15 judges appointed to the Court of Appeal are:
- Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi
- Mathews Nduma Nderi
- Linnet Mumo Ndolo
- Enock Chacha Mwita
- Samson Odhiambo Okongo
- Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna
- Rachel Chepkoech Ngetich
- Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa
- Stephen Andersen Radido Okiyo
- Brown Murungi Kairaria
- Ahmed Issack Hassan
- Paul Lilan
- Munyao Sila
- Johnson Okoth Okello
- Byram Ongaya
Their appointment follows a rigorous recruitment and vetting process conducted by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
JSC Role in the Appointment Process
The Judicial Service Commission had earlier announced that it had concluded interviews for the 15 vacant positions at the Court of Appeal.
In a statement released on Thursday, January 22, the JSC confirmed that it had finalized the selection process and was in the process of forwarding the names of successful candidates to President Ruto for formal appointment.
“Once appointed, the Judges will strengthen the Court’s capacity, reduce case backlog and enhance access to justice,” the commission stated.
According to the JSC, the appointments are expected to significantly improve the efficiency of the appellate court, which has faced increasing pressure due to a rising number of appeals from the High Court.
Background: Recruitment of Court of Appeal Judges
On June 9, 2025, the JSC advertised 15 vacancies for the position of Judge of the Court of Appeal, inviting applications from qualified candidates across the country.
By the time the application window closed on July 7, 2025, the commission had received 94 applications, highlighting strong interest in the positions.
After reviewing all submissions for compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, the JSC shortlisted 35 candidates for interviews.
Shortlisted Candidates
Among those shortlisted were senior judges, legal scholars, and experienced practitioners, including:
- Justice Joseph Kiplagat Sergon
- Justice Yuvinalis Maronga Angima
- Justice Oscar Amugo Angote
- Justice Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi
- Dr. Lucy Wanja Julius
- Justice Mathews Nduma Nderi
- Justice Linnet Mumo Ndolo
- Justice Enock Chacha Mwita
- Justice Samson Odhiambo Okongo
- Justice Munyao Sila
- Justice Byram Ongaya
- Ahmed Issack Hassan
- Johnson Okoth Okello
- Paul Lilan
Following interviews and evaluations, the commission selected 15 candidates who were subsequently appointed by the President.
Impact on Kenya’s Justice System
The Court of Appeal plays a critical role in Kenya’s judicial hierarchy, handling appeals from the High Court and other superior courts.
Legal experts say the appointment of additional judges is long overdue, citing prolonged case delays and an overwhelming workload for existing judges.
With the new appointments:
- Case backlogs are expected to reduce
- Appeals will be heard faster
- Access to justice will improve nationwide
- Public confidence in the judiciary may be strengthened
Conclusion
President Ruto’s appointment of 15 judges to the Court of Appeal marks a major development in Kenya’s justice sector. By acting on the JSC’s recommendations, the government aims to enhance judicial efficiency and uphold constitutional principles of fair and timely justice.
As the new judges take office, attention will now shift to how quickly the Court of Appeal can clear pending cases and improve service delivery to Kenyans.