NAIROBI, Kenya — Katwa Kigen, a recently appointed judge of the Court of Appeal of Kenya, has formally entered the race to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court of Kenya, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has announced.
The JSC revealed on February 25, 2026, that six applicants had submitted their names for consideration for the Supreme Court judgeship, following the closure of the application window on February 17. The position arose after the death of Justice Mohamed Ibrahim in December 2025.
Among the six contenders, Justice Katwa Kigen, who was sworn in as an appellate judge just weeks earlier, is poised to compete against fellow judges Joseph Kiplagat Sergon, Warsame Abdulahi Mohammed and Francis Kipruto Tuiyott, along with former Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) chairperson Anne Waceke Makori and advocate Lilian Wanjiku Wachira.
In its statement, the Judicial Service Commission said it intends to hold a stakeholder engagement forum on March 23, 2026, as part of the selection process before shortlisting and interviewing candidates.
Dates for interviews will be announced after the stakeholder meeting.
The Supreme Court plays a critical role in interpreting the Constitution, handling electoral disputes, and adjudicating matters of national importance.
A decision on the next appointment, which must be forwarded to the President for nomination and Parliament for approval, will complete the seven‑judge bench once the process is finalised.
Justice Kigen’s entry into the contest adds a high‑profile dimension to the recruitment after his recent elevation to the Court of Appeal and legal prominence, including previous work as part of President William Ruto’s legal team in high‑stakes litigation.
