Judges Elevated from High Court
Among those sworn in were 10 justices promoted from various High Court divisions: Hedwig Ong’udi, Nduma Nderi, Linnet Ndolo, Chacha Mwita, Lucy Mwihaki, Samuel Okong’o, Rachel Ng’etich, Munyao Sila, Byram Ongaya and Stephen Radido.
Justices Ongaya, Radido, Ndolo and Nderi served in the Employment and Labour Relations Court, while Justice Ong’udi was stationed at the High Court in Nakuru. Justice Mwita previously headed the Constitutional and Human Rights Division.
Appointments from the Bar
Five judges were appointed from private practice, including Katwa Kigen, who served as Ruto’s personal lawyer, former Independent Policing Oversight Authority Chairman Issack Hassan, and attorneys Paul Lilan, Johnstone Okello and Brown Murungi.
The appointments came one day after official gazettement, following a rigorous two-week interview process conducted by the Judicial Service Commission. The commission reviewed 95 applications and interviewed 35 shortlisted candidates.
Transparent Selection Process
Chief Justice Koome emphasized the recruitment’s transparency, noting that interviews were broadcast live to the public.
“It involved public advertisement of vacancies, public participation before shortlisting, open interviews and thorough vetting in accordance with the Constitution, the Judicial Service Act and relevant regulations,” Koome said.
Candidates were assessed on professional competence, communication skills, integrity, fairness, sound judgment and demonstrated commitment to public service and constitutionalism, according to the chief justice.
