President William Ruto has appointed Justice Mohamed Abdullahi Warsame to the Supreme Court of Kenya, formalizing a key judicial elevation announced through a Gazette Notice issued in Nairobi on Tuesday, May 5.
The appointment marks a significant moment in the ongoing strengthening of Kenya’s judiciary and constitutional order.
The official Gazette Notice stated that the President acted under Article 166 (1) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya, which grants authority to appoint judges to the Supreme Court. The notice confirmed that Justice Warsame would serve in the highest court in the country, completing a constitutionally guided process overseen by relevant institutions and stakeholders in the justice sector.
The appointment follows a structured recruitment process led by the Judicial Service Commission after the vacancy arose following the death of Justice Mohammed Kadhar Ibrahim. Chief Justice Martha Koome earlier confirmed that the position was declared vacant on January 13 and subsequently advertised on January 28. Six candidates applied, with five shortlisted for interviews conducted at Milimani Law Courts on April 28 and 29. The Commission also engaged stakeholders from legal practice, academia, civil society, faith-based groups, media, and government. Members of the public were invited to submit information on the candidates, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.
Justice Warsame has an extensive judicial career spanning multiple levels of Kenya’s court system. Before his appointment to the Court of Appeal in 2012, he served as a High Court Judge in the Commercial, Criminal, and Judicial Review Divisions. Earlier in his career, he practiced as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya after earning a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi and a Diploma from the Kenya School of Law.
Beyond courtroom service, Justice Warsame has contributed significantly to justice reform initiatives. He previously chaired the Community Service and Probation Committee, which facilitated the release of over 7,000 petty offenders nationwide through non-custodial sentencing approaches. He also served as a Commissioner of the Judicial Service Commission, elected by Court of Appeal judges under constitutional provisions. In this role, he participated in Finance, Administration, and Human Resource Committees, contributing to institutional governance and reform within the judiciary.
The Judicial Service Commission previously described Justice Warsame as a jurist of high integrity, professional competence, and fairness. His legal expertise and wide-ranging experience were cited as key strengths that make him well-suited for the Supreme Court. Observers note that his appointment is expected to enhance the court’s capacity in handling constitutional matters, election disputes, and complex legal interpretation cases that shape national governance.
The Supreme Court of Kenya remains the highest judicial authority in the country, playing a critical role in interpreting the Constitution and safeguarding democratic principles. Justice Warsame’s appointment adds to a bench tasked with delivering final rulings on matters of national importance, reinforcing public trust in the judiciary and supporting the broader rule of law framework in Kenya.
