Ruto Appoints Rejected Judges In First Two Gazette Notices

President William Ruto has lived up to his promise of appointing the six Court of Appeal judges who were nominated during the regime of former president Uhuru Kenyatta

The Head of State signed two gazette notices, his first, that confirmed the appointment of four Court of Appeal judges and two Environment and Land Court judges.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 166(1) of the Constitution of Kenya, I, William Samoei Ruto, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, appoint –Korir Weldon Kipyegon, Muchelule Aggrey Otsyula, Odunga George Vincent, Joel Mwaura Ngugi,” read part of the gazette notice signed by President Ruto appointing the appellate judges.

Court of Appeal and various Divisions of the High Court at State House, Nairobi for their Swearing-in Ceremony presided over by former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday, June 4, 2021. /PSCU

The Court of Appeal Judges appointed by Dr Ruto are Korir Weldon Kipyegon, Muchelule Aggrey Otsyula, Odunga George Vincent and Prof. Joel Mwaura Ngugi, Otsyula, Odunga George Vincent, Joel Mwaura Ngugi,”

The two Environment and Land Court judges appointed by the new Head of State are Makori Evans Kiago and Cheruiyot Omange Judith Elizabeth.

In his inauguration speech on Tuesday, September 13 after he was sworn in, President Ruto said he would appoint the six judges before the end of the day.

"To further demonstrate my commitment to the independence of the judiciary, this afternoon, I will appoint the six judges already nominated for appointment to the court of appeal which was done three years ago.

"Tomorrow. I shall preside over their swearing-in so that they can get on with the business of serving the people of Kenya," he said.

With regards to respecting the Judiciary, Ruto said that "My administration will respect judicial decisions while we cement the place of Kenya as a country anchored on democracy and the rule of law."

Uhuru had on Tuesday, July 19 approved the nomination of seven candidates to the court after they were recommended by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

The seven include Justice Kimaru Luka Kiprotich, Gachoka Paul Mwaniki, Lady Justice Achode Lydia Awino, and Justice Ochieng’ Frederick Andago.

Others include Justice Mativo John Mutinga, Lady Justice Ngenye Grace Wangui and Lady Justice Aroni Abida Ali.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 166 of the Constitution of Kenya, I appoint the following to be Judges of the Court of Appeal," read a gazette notice in part at the time.

Chief Justice Martha Koome, who is also the Chairperson of JSC, had indicated in a statement a week ago that the seven judges' names were forwarded to the President for consideration.

"After lengthy deliberations and careful consideration of the performance of the various candidates and based on merit, gender, regional balance, affirmative action and public interest," CJ Koome stated.

Former Court of Appeal President Justice William Ouko was among those who left the Appellate Court. He was appointed to the Supreme Court of Kenya.

JSC advertised for the vacant positions of Judges of the Court of Appeal on March 14, 2022. It finalized interviews for the vacant positions on Wednesday, marking the tenth day.

Prof. (Dr.) Sifuna Nixon Wanyama, Siganga Beauttah Alukhava, Hon. Lady Justice Muchemi and Florence Nyaguthi were the last three candidates to be interviewed.