High Schools Supreme Court Judges Attended

Supreme Court judges, from left: Justices Isaac Lenaola, Smokin Wanjala, Philomena Mwilu (DCJ), Martha Koome (CJ), Ibrahim Mohammed, Njoki Ndungu and William Ouko outside the apex court premises on Thursday, March 31, 2022
Supreme Court judges, from left: Justices Isaac Lenaola, Smokin Wanjala, Philomena Mwilu (DCJ), Martha Koome (CJ), Ibrahim Mohammed, Njoki Ndungu and William Ouko outside the apex court premises.
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Judiciary

All eyes are now on the Supreme Court ahead of the determination of the presidential election petition filed by Azimio leader Raila Odinga and others, challenging William Ruto's win in the August 9 general election.

The apex court comprises seven judges who have vast experience, some of whom have served the court for ten years since its established.

But what schools did these seasoned justices attend in their early days? Kenyans.co.ke examines the alma maters that shaped the careers of Kenya's top judges.

Smokin Wanjala

The soft spoken judge traces his roots back in Western Kenya where he attended his both primary and Secondary school. Wanjala went to Sigalame Boys High School in Funyula Constituency.

Supreme Court Judge Isaac Lenaola
Supreme Court Judge Isaac Lenaola.
File

He did his LLB at the University of Nairobi (UoN) after which he pursued his Masters the University of Columbia in the United States. He is a Ph.D. holder in law from the University of Ghent, Belgium.

Wanjala lectured at the University of Nairobi for 15 years, where he taught international law, international human rights law and land law before joining the Supreme Court.

Martha Koome

Koome attended Mugoiri Girls High School. The school is located in the larger Mt. Kenya region, specifically Meru County.

The 62-year-old top judge was born and raised in Kithiu village. Career spans over 30 years and holds an LL.B. from the University of Nairobi, which she received in 1986. 

 

Isaac Lenaola

Justice Lenaola, aged 55 attended his secondary education at Alliance High School. He is a born-Maasai and began his education at St. Mary's Nursery School in Maralal, in 1973.

Justice Lenaola was first appointed as a High Court judge in October 28, 2003. He served as a Resident Judge in the counties of Embu, Meru, Machakos and Kakamega.



Njoki Susanna Ndung'u

Justice Njoki Ndung'u has an enviable career spanning 25 year in the legal field. She was privileged to attend Kenya High in Nairobi.

She grew up in a well-to-do family. She began her career in 1989 at the office of the Attorney General of Kenya.

William Ouko

Ouko hails from Nyanza region where he did his primary education. Ouko’s career growth traces its roots in Usenge Primary School between 1969 and 1976. He did his O level at Kilindini High School in Mombasa County.

He did his Masters programme majoring in Criminology from Egerton University. Before Egerton. Justice Ouko, who until his appointment to the Supreme Court was the President of the Court of Appeal holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from the University of Nairobi.

The Supreme Court of Kenya
The Supreme Court of Kenya.
Kenyans.co.ke