NAIROBI, Kenya – Supreme Court Judge Njoki Ndung’u has been elected as the Judiciary’s representative to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), filling the vacancy left by the late Justice Mohammed Ibrahim.
Justice Ndung’u was chosen on Friday in an election conducted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), in line with the Judicial Service Act, which requires the Judiciary to nominate a replacement within 21 days whenever a seat falls vacant.
The poll was overseen by IEBC Returning Officer Swalhah Yusuf.
The position fell vacant following the death of Justice Ibrahim on December 17, 2025, after a long illness.
He served both on the Supreme Court and the JSC and was widely regarded as a central figure in strengthening judicial independence and constitutional jurisprudence after the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.
Justice Ndung’u, who joined the Supreme Court in 2011, is among the court’s longest-serving judges.
Lady Justice Njoki Ndungu Elected Unopposed to the Judicial Service Commission to Replace late Justice Mohammed IbrahimHon. Lady Justice Njoki Ndungu, CBS, SCJ, has today been elected unopposed as the representative of the Supreme Court to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC),
Over the years, she has authored influential opinions on constitutional interpretation, gender equality, social justice and the protection of fundamental rights, shaping key legal debates in Kenya.
Within the Judiciary, she also holds several leadership roles, including chairing the Judiciary Committee on Elections and the Employee Protection and Inclusion Committee.
The vote involved all members of the Supreme Court, including Chief Justice Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, and Justices Smokin Wanjala, Isaac Lenaola and William Ouko.
Her election ensures the continued representation of the apex court at the JSC, the constitutional body responsible for judicial appointments, discipline and oversight.
Internally, the development has been viewed as crucial for institutional continuity and stability within the Judiciary.
Speaking briefly after her election, Justice Ndung’u pledged to support the Commission’s oversight mandate, saying she would prioritise accountability, access to justice and the protection of judicial independence.
Chief Justice Koome welcomed the outcome, describing Justice Ndung’u as a committed jurist whose leadership would strengthen institutional governance.
“Lady Justice Ndung’u’s election ensures continuity in Supreme Court representation at the JSC and reinforces the Judiciary’s commitment to strong institutional governance, integrity and constitutionalism,” Koome said.
The Judicial Service Commission is established under Article 171(2) of the Constitution and is mandated to manage and oversee the Judiciary.
Its membership includes the Chief Justice as chairperson, judges from the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court and the Magistracy, alongside the Attorney General, representatives of the Law Society, a Public Service Commission nominee and two non-lawyer members appointed by the President with parliamentary approval to represent the public interest.
