Ruto Appoints New Supreme Court Judge
President William Ruto has appointed Justice Mohamed Abdullahi Warsame to Kenya’s Supreme Court, with immediate effect following a Gazette notice dated 5 May.
The appointment follows Warsame’s nomination by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on 29 April to fill a vacancy left by the late Justice Mohammed Ibrahim. In the notice, President Ruto cited Article 166 (1) (e) of the Constitution as the legal basis for the decision.
The Supreme Court is now at full capacity. It comprises Chief Justice Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, and Justices Smokin Wanjala, Isaac Lenaola, William Ouko, Njoki Ndung’u, and Warsame. A full bench is essential for the court’s work in constitutional interpretation and the resolution of election disputes.
Warsame brings more than 20 years of judicial experience. He was appointed to the High Court in 2003, where he handled commercial, criminal, and judicial review cases. In 2012, he joined the Court of Appeal and developed a reputation for efficiency, with one of the highest case clearance rates among judges.
During his JSC interview, he highlighted his focus on timely delivery of judgments and consistency in rulings. Chief Justice Koome stated that he had demonstrated the qualities required for service on the Supreme Court.
The appointment comes during a period of transition in the judiciary. Justice Njoki Ndung’u has been nominated as Kenya’s candidate for election to the International Criminal Court (ICC). If elected in December 2026, her departure would create another vacancy, requiring the JSC to begin a new recruitment process.
