Justice Aggrey Muchelule Elected Principal Judge of COMESA Court of Justice

NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyan Judge Aggrey Otsyula Muchelule has been elected as the Principal Judge of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Court of Justice, marking a significant milestone in regional and international judicial cooperation.

The announcement was made on Thursday, November 21, during the 27th Meeting of Attorneys General and Ministers of Justice in Lusaka, Zambia.

Chief Justice Martha Koome lauded the appointment as a testament to Justice Muchelule’s legal acumen and the trust placed in Kenyan judges by the international judicial community.

Taking to her official X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, November 22, Koome extended her heartfelt congratulations.

“On behalf of the Judiciary and my behalf, I congratulate Hon. Justice Aggrey Otsyula Muchelule, Judge of the Court of Appeal, on his well-deserved election as the Principal Judge of the COMESA Court of Justice,” Koome wrote. “This election affirms the trust and confidence placed in Kenyan judges to contribute to the advancement of regional and international justice systems.”

Muchelule, currently a judge at Kenya’s Court of Appeal, will serve a five-year tenure in his new role.

The Chief Justice expressed confidence in his ability to strengthen the COMESA Court’s jurisprudence and foster the organization’s goals of regional integration, inter-state trade, and rule of law.

“As he embarks on this five-year tenure, I am confident that working alongside other judges, he will contribute to the development of jurisprudence that furthers the realization of the objectives that animate the COMESA Treaty,” Koome stated.

The COMESA Court of Justice, based in Lusaka, Zambia, plays a crucial role in adjudicating disputes arising from the trade bloc’s member states and ensuring adherence to the COMESA Treaty.

Justice Muchelule’s election reinforces Kenya’s growing influence in regional and international judicial platforms.

Chief Justice Koome assured him of unwavering support from the Kenyan judiciary as he takes on the new challenge, adding, “We wish Hon. Justice Muchelule every success as he champions justice and regional cooperation on behalf of COMESA member states.”