Lawyer Katwa Kigen, a close ally of President William Ruto and one of his former defence lawyers at the International Criminal Court (ICC), is among 35 Kenyans shortlisted for the prestigious Court of Appeal jobs. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) revealed the list after advertising 15 vacancies in the appellate court. The recruitment aims to strengthen the Court of Appeal’s capacity, improve efficiency, and address the growing backlog of cases that continues to weigh down the justice system. The Court of Appeal recruitment marks a critical moment for Kenya’s judiciary. With 35 candidates, including notable figures like Katwa Kigen and Isaack Hassan, competition will be intense. The public now waits to see whether merit, experience, and integrity will guide the final appointments, strengthening the country’s pursuit of justice and judicial independence. [Image: NR Lab] Ruto’s Former ICC Lawyer and IPOA Chair Among Top Contenders for Court of Appeal Jobs The Judicial Service Commission received a total of 94 applications by the time the submission window closed on July 7, 2025. After evaluating the applications, 35 candidates met the qualifications and were shortlisted for the next stage of interviews.
Those who made the cut include respected judges and legal professionals from various divisions of the judiciary. Among them are High Court Judge Justice Chacha Mwita, Employment and Labour Relations Court Judge Stephen Radido, and Isaack Hassan, the current Chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority ( IPOA ).
Other notable names include Justice (Dr.) Joseph Kiplagat Sergon, Justice Yuvinalis Maronga Angima, Justice Oscar Amugo Angote, and Justice Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi, all of whom have served with distinction in the High Court. The inclusion of these senior judges reflects the commission’s effort to promote experienced legal minds to the appellate bench.
Also in the running are Dr. Lucy Wanja Julius and Justice Elijah Obaga Ogoti, both of whom have extensive legal experience and are hopeful that their expertise will earn them a place among the country’s top appellate judges. Katwa Kigen’s Inclusion Draws Interest in Legal Circles Katwa Kigen’s appearance on the shortlist has attracted significant attention within legal and political circles. Kigen rose to prominence after representing President Ruto at The Hague during the ICC trials over Kenya’s 2007-2008 post-election violence. Known for his courtroom composure and sharp legal mind, Kigen has remained an influential figure in Kenya’s legal fraternity.
His close relationship with the President, however, has drawn public interest in the transparency and independence of the recruitment process. Still, the JSC maintains that all applicants were evaluated on merit and in strict compliance with constitutional standards.
The selection process for Court of Appeal judges is guided by Article 166 of the Constitution and the Judicial Service Act , both of which demand competence, integrity, and professionalism from candidates. To qualify, a candidate must possess a law degree from a recognized institution and have at least 10 years of experience as a superior court judge or in equivalent legal practice. Next Steps and Benefits for Successful Candidates The JSC announced that it will soon release the interview schedule for the shortlisted candidates. Once interviews are complete, the commission will prepare a final list of nominees and forward it to President Ruto for official appointment.
The new appointments come nearly a year after the Judiciary halted recruitment due to a 15 percent budget cut imposed by the government. The new phase of hiring marks a renewed effort to strengthen the judiciary’s operations and reduce case delays across the country.
Judges appointed to the Court of Appeal will serve until the mandatory retirement age of 70 years , with an option for early retirement at 65 years , in accordance with Article 167 (1) of the Constitution.
According to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) , Court of Appeal judges earn a gross monthly salary ranging between Ksh775,845 and Ksh1,187,152 , making it one of the most lucrative positions within the judiciary.
The appellate court plays a key role in reviewing decisions from the High Court and ensuring that justice is delivered fairly and consistently. By filling the 15 vacant positions, the Judiciary aims to reduce the case backlog that has burdened the court system for years.