President William Ruto has appointed 20 new High Court Judges following a recommendation by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
In a gazette notice on Friday, May 10, the President invoked the powers conferred to him by Article 166 (1) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya to appoint judges of the High Court.
The 20 appointed persons include Alice Chepngetich Bett Soi, Benjamin Mwikya Musyoki, John Lolwatan Tamar, Francis Weche Andayi, Andrew Bahati Mwamuye, and Julius Kipkosgei Ng’arng’ar.
Others on the list are Alexander Muasya Muteti, Julius Mukut Nangea, Benjamin Kimani Njoroge, Caroline Jepyegen Kendagor, Stephen Nzisi Mbungi, Linus Poghon Kassan, Noel Onditi Adagi Inziani, Tabitha Ouya Wanyama, Rhoda Cherotich Rutto, Joe Omido Mkutu, Wendy Kagendo Micheni, Emily Onyando Ominde, and Helene Rafaela Namisi.
JSC vacancies for judges
The 20 new High Court judges were part of the 100 candidates shortlisted for the vacancies in the Judiciary by JSC first advertised on October 13, 2023.
Initially, the JSC received over 300 applications from persons interested in working with the Judiciary.
After consideration of the application, the number of candidates was reduced to 100 who were then subjected to interviews by members of the Commission.
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However, four of the shortlisted candidates withdrew from the interviews while one other was appointed as the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary.
In a notice on Friday, May 3, the Commission said the 20 nominees had been selected after deliberations and consideration of merit, gender, regional balance, and affirmative action.
The JSC is also expected to forward names of nominees for positions of Court of Appeal judges for appointment by the President.
Also Read: Ahmednasir Blasts CJ Koome over Shortlisted Court of Appeal Judges
The positions in the Second-highest court in Kenya had attracted interest from some renowned figures including former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairpersons Wafula Chebukati and Isaak Hassan.
Other appointments by President Ruto
In addition to the 20 judges, President Ruto also appointed Elizabeth Chesang to be the Chairperson of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from 9th May, 2024.
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