The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has officially unveiled the six applicants vying to join the Supreme Court of Kenya. This high-stakes recruitment process seeks to fill the void left by the late Justice Mohamed Khadhar Ibrahim, who passed away on December 17, 2025.
In a public notice released on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the JSC confirmed that the application window, which opened on January 27, attracted a competitive pool of senior jurists and legal practitioners by its February 17 deadline.
Meet the Applicants
The shortlist features a blend of seasoned appellate judges and prominent legal professionals:
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Justice Joseph Kiplagat Sergon
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Justice Warsame Abdulahi Mohammed
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Justice Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa
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Justice Francis Kipruto Tuiyott
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Anne Waceke Kiratu Makori (Former IPOA Chairperson)
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Lilian Wanjiku Wachira
Four of these candidates currently serve on the Court of Appeal, highlighting the depth of judicial experience seeking a seat on the country’s highest court.
Spotlight on the Candidates
Among the notable names is Justice Katwa Kigen, a relatively recent addition to the appellate bench. President William Ruto appointed Kigen to the Court of Appeal on January 27, 2026, the same day the Supreme Court vacancy was advertised.
Shortly after his swearing-in, Chief Justice Martha Koome assigned him to the Nyeri station. Kigen is well-known for his past role as a defense lawyer for President Ruto in various high-profile legal battles, including at the International Criminal Court and in the 2022 presidential election petition.
The list also includes Anne Makori, who recently completed her tenure as the Chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), adding a unique perspective from outside the active judiciary.
The Path Forward: Stakeholder Engagement
The JSC is now moving into the vetting phase to ensure the successful candidate meets the rigorous integrity and professional standards required of a Supreme Court judge.
“The Commission plans to undertake a stakeholder engagement on 23rd March, 2026, ahead of the shortlisting process and thereafter will provide a notification of interview dates for shortlisted candidates. The venue for the stakeholders meeting will be communicated,” the JSC stated.
Following the upcoming interviews, the Commission will recommend a single name to the President for appointment, subject to approval by the National Assembly. Once the new judge takes the oath of office, the Supreme Court will return to its full constitutional complement of seven judges.
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