The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has received six applications for the position of Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya, among them Justice Katwa Kigen, a former lawyer to President William Ruto.
In a notice dated February 25, 2026, the Commission confirmed that it had advertised one vacancy for the apex court position on January 27, 2026.
By the close of the advert on February 17, 2026, six candidates had submitted their applications.
According to the JSC, the applicants are: Justice Joseph Kiplangat Sergon, Justice Warsame Abdulahi Mohammed, Justice Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa, Justice Francis Kipruto Tuiyott, Anne Waceke Kiratu Makori and Lilian Wanjiku Wachira.
The recruitment process now moves to the next phase, with the Commission announcing plans to conduct a stakeholder engagement forum ahead of shortlisting.
“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 notice reads.
The venue for the stakeholders’ meeting will be communicated in due course.
Justice Katwa’s application is likely to draw public attention given his previous legal representation of President Ruto in high-profile matters including the International Criminal Court (ICC) where he was accused of crimes against humanity before the case collapsed.
The Supreme Court vacancy comes at a critical time for the judiciary, which continues to play a central role in constitutional interpretation, electoral disputes, and other matters of national significance.
The JSC, which is constitutionally mandated to recruit and recommend judges for appointments, is expected to vet the candidates on their professional competence, integrity, and judicial temperament.
Other applicants include sitting appellate and High Court judges, as well as senior legal practitioners, reflecting a competitive field for the single vacancy.
The position fell vacant following the death of Supreme Court Judge Ibrahim Mohammed.
Mohammed had been taken to India for treatment, but doctors advised that he be returned home to Kenya for his last days.
Before joining the Bench, Justice Ibrahim had already distinguished himself as a trailblazing advocate, human rights defender, and public-spirited lawyer.
Admitted to the Bar in 1982, he was the first member of the Kenyan Somali community to be admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
He practised law with notable firms before establishing his own practice and was deeply engaged in public interest litigation and civic advocacy during some of Kenya's most challenging political periods
