President William Ruto, on Tuesday, December 6, appointed twenty new judges of the High Court.
In a special Kenya Gazette dated December 5, 2022, the President approved all names forwarded to him by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
"In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 166 (1) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya, I. William Samoei Ruto, President, and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, appoint (these judges)," the statement by the President read in part.
Among the judges appointed include Gichohi Patricia Njeri, Mongare Josephine Wayua Wambua, Nyaundi Patricia Mande, Kavedza Diana Rachel, Chirchir Sophie Chebet, and Sifuna Nixon Wanyama.
Others are Shariff Mwanaisha Saida, Nyaga Heston Mbogo, Chigiti John Mugwimi, Mulwa Peter Mutua, Nthiga Lawrence Mugambi, Mutai Gregory, and Wananda John Robert Anuro.
President Ruto has also appointed Mohochi Samwel Mukira, Olel Francis Rayola Ochieng Odhiambo, Githiru Freda Mugambi, Magare Dennis Kizito Ng'wono, Macharia Florence Wangari, Odera Teresa Achieng, and VisramAleem Alnshir among the twenty judges.
According to the Kenya Gazette notice, the twenty judges will be sworn into office on Wednesday, December 7, 2022.
The appointment of the twenty judges comes after a lengthy process that started in March this year when the JSC announced vacancies at High Court.
According to the statement by the JSC, the list was arrived at following the process of evaluation of the various applicants interviewed for the vacancies.
President Ruto's appointment of the twenty judges comes just a day after he was forced to defend his continued ties with the judiciary since his election.
The head of state was speaking during the launch of the 2021/2022 Administration of Justice in Kenya Annual Report on Monday, December 5.
He also reiterated his promise to ensure that the Judiciary received the funding it requires for the efficient administration of justice.
