This archive report was first published on 22 July 2019.
On July 22, 2019, the Judicial Service Commission announced its recommendation for the appointment of 10 High Court judges and lawyer Imaana Laibuta to the Court of Appeal.
The commission selected Francis Tuiyott, Hellen Omondi, Pauline Nyamweya, Weldon Korir, Msagha Mbogholi, Aggrey Muchelule, Jessie Lesiit, Mumbi Ngugi, George Odunga, and Joel Ngugi for the positions.
Lawyer Imaana Laibuta was also recommended for the Court of Appeal.
The commission will forward the names of these "most suitable candidates" to President Uhuru Kenyatta for appointment.
Chief Justice David Maraga announced the list of 11 at a press briefing in Nairobi, but Law Society of Kenya representative Macharia Njeru dissented, saying they expected at least two lawyers to be selected.
The Court of Appeal currently has 19 judges, 11 short of the required 30.
Additionally, two senior judges - Erastus Githinji and Alnashir Visram - are set to retire this year.
For the interviews that took place from June 17 to 27, the commission shortlisted 22 judges and 13 advocates, including Dr. Laibuta, Moses Kurgat, Prof. Nixon Sifuna, and Paul Lilan.
Among the high-profile cases Judge Lesiit is currently handling is the trial of Migori Governor Okoth Obado, his personal assistant Mr. Michael Oyamo, and Mr. Caspal Obiero, who have denied murdering pregnant Rongo University student Sharon Otieno.
Judge Lesiit is also hearing the trial of five people, including four police officers, accused of murdering lawyer Willie Kimani, his client boda boda rider Joseph Mwenda, and taxi driver Joseph Muiruri.
