RUTO’s ICC Lawyer, Senior Counsel KATWA KIGEN, among 15 appointed by the President as Court of Appeal Judges

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 - President William Ruto has appointed lawyer Katwa Kigen, once part of his defense team at the International Criminal Court (ICC), alongside 14 others to serve as Judges of the Court of Appeal.

In a gazette notice dated Tuesday, January 27^th, 2026, the Head of State announced the appointments, exercising his constitutional authority under Article 166 (1) (b).

The list includes notable figures such as Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan, Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi, Mathews Nduma Nderi, Linnet Mumo Ndolo, Enock Chacha Mwita, Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna, Samson Odhiambo Okongo, Rachel Chepkoech Ngetich, Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa, Stephen Andersen Radido Okiyo, Brown Murungi Kairaria, Paul Lilan, Munyao Sila, Johnson Okoth Okello and Byram Ongaya.

Katwa Kigen’s appointment has drawn particular attention due to his past role representing Ruto at the ICC in The Hague, where the President faced charges related to the 2007-2008 post‑election violence.

His involvement in that high‑profile case cemented his reputation as a seasoned litigator and close ally of Ruto.

The appointments follow the Judicial Service Commission’s (JSC) rigorous recruitment process, which concluded last week.

In its statement, the JSC emphasized that the process was transparent, competitive and guided by constitutional principles of merit, integrity, fairness, gender parity, inclusivity and regional balance.

Candidates were evaluated on professional competence, communication skills, integrity, judgment and commitment to public service.

With the new appointments, the Court of Appeal’s capacity will expand from 27 to 42 judges.

According to the JSC, this increase is expected to significantly reduce the backlog of cases and enhance access to justice through timely hearings and determinations.

The Kenyan DAILY POST