NAIROBI, Kenya — Justice Gatembu Kairu has been elected the new President of the Court of Appeal after securing 26 votes in a competitive election held by judges of the appellate court.
Justice Kairu emerged victorious after receiving more than half of the 41 votes cast. He defeated fellow candidates Lady Justice Lydia Achode, Justice Patrick Kiage, and Lady Justice Agnes Murgor.
The election followed the expiry of the term of Daniel Musinga, who served as President of the Court of Appeal after being elected by judges in 2021.
Justice Musinga’s non-renewable five-year term ended on May 24, 2026, triggering the process to select his successor.
The election was conducted through a secret ballot and overseen by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Justice Kairu’s Legal Career
Justice Kairu, born in July 1960, brings extensive experience in litigation, arbitration, and judicial service.
He holds a Master of Laws degree from Boston University, obtained in 1990, a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi, and a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.
Before joining the Judiciary, he worked at Hamilton Harrison & Mathews Advocates and later became an associate at Kimani Kairu & Company Advocates.
He co-founded Kairu & McCourt Advocates in 1993 and remained in private practice until 2009, when he moved into arbitration and mediation.
Justice Kairu joined the Judiciary in 2012 after being appointed to the Court of Appeal through a competitive recruitment process by the Judicial Service Commission.
Before that, he had served as a lecturer at the University of Nairobi School of Law since 1990.
Role of the Court of Appeal President
The President of the Court of Appeal serves as both the administrative and judicial head of the appellate court.
The office oversees court operations, coordinates the disposal of appeals, constitutes hearing benches, and assigns judges to matters before the court.
The role is central to ensuring efficiency within Kenya’s second-highest court, which handles appeals from the High Court and other courts as provided by law.
Other Candidates
The election attracted three other senior judges.
Justice Patrick Kiage, born in 1969, has served on the Court of Appeal and previously practised law in civil, commercial, family, and criminal litigation. He holds a Master of Laws degree from New York University and has extensive courtroom experience.
Lady Justice Agnes Murgor, appointed to the Court of Appeal in 2012, holds a Master’s degree in International Business Law from the University of London and has experience in corporate law, public service, and judicial work.
Lady Justice Lydia Achode has more than three decades of legal experience, having served as a High Court judge, Principal Judge of the High Court between 2018 and 2022, High Court Registrar, and Chief Court Administrator.
Justice Kairu’s election places him at the centre of efforts to strengthen appellate justice delivery, improve case management, and enhance public confidence in Kenya’s judicial system.
