Kenya President appoints 7 new Court of Appeal judges

However,  JSC advertised six positions but added another slot after learning that one of the Appellate judges had retired during the interviews.

“One judge of appeal retired after the process began. They (JSC) considered the enormous cost, both in terms of money and time, of undertaking another full recruitment process to fill just one position. It made sense to fill the position that had occurred through this process,” said Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Ann Amadi. She did not disclose the name of the judge who retired.

The seven new judges were nominated following interviews of 26 candidates, including 19 High Court judges and seven lawyers and academicians.

Among prominent persons interviewed for the job but missed the nomination are former electoral commission chairman Hassan Ahmed Isaack and Ms Dorcas Oduor, the Secretary and Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions.

President’s decision has made JSC fulfill the statutory establishment of the Court of Appeal which is a maximum of 30 judges. Prior to the appointment, the  Court had 20 judges.

The seven new appointed judges include:  Justice Kimaru Luka Kiprotich, Gachoka Paul Mwaniki, Lady Justice Achode Lydia Awino, Justice Ochieng’ Frederick Andago, Justice Mativo John Mutinga, Lady Justice Ngenye Grace Wangui and Lady Justice Aroni Abida Ali.