National

President Ruto appoints 20 new High Court Judges following JSC recommendations

JSC nominees for the office of Judge of the High Court of Kenya Photo: X/JSCKenya

By Maureen Kinyanjui | Friday, May 10, 2024

A High Court judge also has supervisory jurisdiction over the subordinate courts and any person, body, or authority exercising a judicial function, but not over a superior court.

President William Ruto has appointed 20 new judges of the High Court following successful interviews conducted by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

In a Gazette notice dated, Thursday, May 9, Ruto confirmed the appointments following successful interviews conducted by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

Keep reading

“I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint the following to be Judges of the High Court of Kenya," read the Gazette in part.

Among those appointed include Moses Ado Otieno, Alice Chepngetich Bett Soi, Benjamin Mwikya Musyoki, John Lolwatan Tamar, Francis Weche Andayi, Andrew Bahati Mwamuye and Julius Kipkosgei Ng’arng’ar.

Wendy Kagendo Micheni, Emily Onyando Ominde, Helene Rafaela Namisi, Alexander Muasya Muteti, Julius Mukut Nangea, and Benjamin Kimani Njoroge were also listed in the appointments.

Also appointed were Caroline Jepyegen Kendagor, Stephen Nzisi Mbungi, Linus Poghon Kassan, and Noel Onditi Adagi Inziani.

The Head of State also appointed Tabitha Ouya Wanyama, Rhoda Cherotich Rutto, and Joe Omido Mkutu.

Ruto appointed the individuals following the JSC's recommendations, which are led by Chief Justice Martha Koome.

A High Court judge enjoys benefits including a gross monthly remuneration package ranging from Sh750,000 to Sh1,029,691.

The judge is mandated with unlimited original jurisdiction in both criminal and civil matters and jurisdiction to hear any question respecting the interpretation of the Constitution.

Further, they have the jurisdiction to determine whether a right or fundamental freedom in the Bill of Rights has been denied, violated, infringed, or threatened.

A High Court judge also has supervisory jurisdiction over the subordinate courts and any person, body, or authority exercising a judicial function, but not over a superior court.

In a gazette notice on October 6, 2023, the JSC declared the 20 High Court judge jobs vacant.

On October 13, the JSC invited qualified persons to apply for the 20 vacant posts. The deadline for the application was November 3, 2023, at 5 pm.

In March, the commission shortlisted 100 individuals for interviews to fill the 20 vacancies of the High Court judge.

The 100 were from a list of 350 people who had applied to become High Court judges.

The interviews were conducted between April 3 and April 30, 2024.