[PHOTOS] Ruto presides over swearing in of 15 appellate judges

President William Ruto on Wednesday presided the swearing in of 15 judges of the Court of Appeal.

The judges were appointed on Tuesday, under Gazette Notice No 1000 and are anchored in Article 166 (1) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya, which grants the President authority to appoint judges of superior courts.

The new appellate judges include seasoned jurists from the High Court, senior advocates and legal professionals. 

They include Hedwig Ong’udi, Mathews Nderi, Linnet Ndolo, Chacha Mwita, Lucy Njuguna, Samson Okongo and Rachel Ngetich. 

President Ruto’s longtime lawyer Katwa Kigen, Issack Hassan – the outgoing chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority – Paul Lilan, Munyao Sila, Johnson Okello and Byram Ongaya also featured in the list. 

The appointments raise the number of judges in the Court of Appeal, the second-highest court in Kenya, from 27 to 42. 

President William Ruto, Chief Justice Martha Koome, Deputy CJ Philomena Mwilu and Justice Hedwig Ong'udi during the swearing-in of Court of Appeal judges at State House on January 28 /PCS

This expansion seeks to bolster judicial capacity and speed up the handling of appellate cases, which have long faced delays due to high caseloads.

During the ceremony, Ruto reiterated his vow to respect the independence and decisions of the Judiciary. 

He acknowledged that on several occasions, he has questioned judicial decisions that he believes could impede implementation of key public policies. 

“These concerns are neither expressed lightly nor out of disregard or contempt for the court. It is out of duty to speak honestly and candidly about the consequences such decisions have on the lives and livelihoods of the Kenyan people,” Ruto said.

“I want to give you my undertaking that this administration will not disregard any court rulings. At all times and in all circumstances, we remain guided by one immutable principle: the rule of law must prevail, because without it, no policy, programme, government or country can endure."

In attendance was Chief Justice Martha Koome and Deputy CJ Philomena Mwilu. Also present was Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

President William Ruto with Chief Justice Martha Koome at State House on January 28 /PCS

Lady Justice Hedwig Ong'udi during the swearing-in at the State House on January 28 /PCS

Lawyer Katwa Kigen takes oath of office at State House on January 28 /PCS

President William Ruto, Chief Justice Martha Koome and newly sworn in Court of Appeal judge Katwa Kigen at the State House on January 28 /PCS

President William Ruto with newly sworn in Court of Appeal judge Katwa Kigen at State House on January 28 /PCS

President William Ruto during the swearing-in of Court of Appeal judges at State House on January 28 /PCS