JSC Shortlists 35 Candidates for Court of Appeal Judgeship Including Katwa Kigen and Ahmed Issack Hassan
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in Kenya has shortlisted 35 candidates for the 15 vacant Judge of the Court of Appeal positions, following 94 applications received by the July 7, 2025 deadline.
Among those shortlisted is lawyer Katwa Kigen, who is notably a close ally and former defence lawyer for President William Ruto at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The recruitment drive aims to strengthen the Court of Appeal’s capacity, improve efficiency, and address the backlog of cases slowing the justice system.
The list of the 35 shortlisted candidates:
Justice (Dr.) Kiplagat Sergon, Mr. Justice Vuyinani Margona Angima, Mr. Justice Oscar Amugo Angote, Mr. Justice Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi, Lucy Wanja Julius, Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa, Mr. Justice Elijah Obaga Ogoti, Danial Kioko Ojwang’, Mr. Justice Onesmus Makau Ndumbuthi, Mr. Justice Mathew Nduma Nderi, Lady Justice Linnent Munyalo, Mr. Justice Enock Chacha Mwita, Mr. Justice Samson Odhiambo Ooko, Mr. Justice Edward Muthoga Murithi, Mr. Justice William Musya Musyoka, Mr. Justice Francis Gikonyo Muhuhu, Lady Justice Lucy Mwihaki Njirua, Lady Justice Lucy Njuguna Mbua, Brown Murungi Kariara, Mr. Justice Robert Kipkoech Limo, Mr. Justice Stephen Andreen Radido Okiyo, Lady Justice Rachel Chepkemoi Ngetich, Mr. Justice James Aaron Otieno Ogola, Paul Lilan, Joseph Arimbi Kaberia, Migai Aketch, Waweru Gundu Mathenge, Johnson Otieno Ololla, Mr. Justice Dalmas Omondi Ohungo, Mr. Justice Munyao Sila, Ahmed Issack Hassan, Protus Saende Gathee, Mr. Justice Bryan Ongaya, Jacqueline Mbithe Mwangi Mundi, Kimwelle Muneene Muneeni,
Notable shortlisted candidates include Joseph Katwa Kigen, who represented President William Ruto at the ICC, and Ahmed Issack Hassan, chairperson of IPOA (Independent Policing Oversight Authority).
Profile of Joseph Katwa
Joseph Katwa Kigen is a senior Kenyan advocate with a distinguished career in high-stakes criminal, constitutional, and commercial litigation.
He is a founding partner of Katwa & Kemboy Advocates in Nairobi. Kigen was admitted to the Bar in 1996 after training at the University of Nairobi (Bachelor and Master of Laws) and the Kenya School of Law.
He is known for representing high-profile clients in cases including defending Joshua arap Sang at the International Criminal Court relating to post-2007/08 election violence, representing Jacque Maribe in a murder trial, and successfully defending other prominent cases in Kenya’s Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
His legal practice spans domestic and international criminal law, commercial disputes, and constitutional matters
Profile of Ahmed Issack Hassan
Ahmed Issack Hassan is a seasoned Kenyan lawyer and public servant with over 29 years of legal and public service experience.
Born on March 2, 1970, he holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Nairobi, a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Kenya School of Law, and a Diploma in Advanced Public Service Administration from the Galilee Institute of Management in Israel.
He is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya since 1995, specializing in commercial and constitutional law. Issack Hassan has served as the Chairperson of Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) from November 2011 to January 2017, and before that as Chairperson of the Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) from May 2009 to November 2011.
He was also a Commissioner on the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission from 2000 to 2006.Aside from his legal career, he has played significant roles in electoral oversight internationally, including serving as legal consultant for the United Nations in Somalia and heading AU and EISA observer missions in Nigeria and Ghana.
He has been recognized nationally with the Order of the Elder of the Burning Spear Second Class award for exemplary service.Since 2018, he has chaired the Board of Directors of the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI), overseeing intellectual property rights governance.
Ahmed Issack Hassan currently chairs the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) of Kenya, where he is noted for his commitment to policing oversight and reforms
This move by the JSC reflects ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and speed of appellate justice in Kenya.
Katwa Kigen’s inclusion has drawn attention due to his prior high-profile role defending President Ruto, signaling JSC’s recognition of his legal acumen amid the competitive selection.
The interviews and vetting process for the appointments are set to proceed following this shortlisting announcement