Ruto’s ICC Lawyer Katwa Kigen Among Five Shortlisted for Supreme Court Judge Position

Former President William Ruto’s lawyer, Katwa Kigen, who was part of his defence team while he faced charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC), has been shortlisted for the position of Supreme Court judge.

In a notice dated Friday, March 27, 2026, Katwa Kigen, who was recently appointed as a Court of Appeal judge, is among five candidates shortlisted for the Supreme Court position.

The vacancy was advertised on January 28, 2026, by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), following the position left vacant by the late Justice Mohamed Ibrahim.

“On 28th January 2026, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) advertised one (1) post in the Office of Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya and invited applications from qualified persons wishing to be considered for appointment to the position,” the JSC said.

Katwa Kigen Among 5 Shortlisted for Supreme Court Judge Role

According to the Commission, by the close of the application period on February 17, 2026, a total of six applications had been received.

After reviewing the applications for completeness and compliance with the requirements set out in the advertisement, the JSC shortlisted five candidates for the position.

Besides Katwa Kigen, the shortlisted candidates include Justice Abdulahi Mohammed Warsame, a judge of the Court of Appeal; Justice Francis Kipruto Tuiyott, also a judge of the Court of Appeal; Justice Joseph Kiplagat Sergon, a senior High Court judge; and Anne Waceke Kiratu Makori, EBS, a senior legal professional currently serving as Secretary of Programmes in the Executive Office of the President.

Also Read: Ruto Appoints Katwa Kigen, Issack Hassan Among 13 New Judges

At the same time, the JSC provided timelines for the interviews of the respective candidates, scheduled as follows:

Anne Waceke Kiratu Makori, EBS – Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
Justice Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa – Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Justice Joseph Kiplagat Sergon – Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
Justice Francis Kipruto Tuiyott – Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
Justice Abdulahi Mohammed Warsame – Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Further, the JSC invited members of the public to submit, in writing, any information of interest regarding the shortlisted candidates using the contacts below:

The Secretary
Judicial Service Commission
P.O. Box 40048-00100, Nairobi
Email: recruitment@jsc.go.ke
Telephone: 020 2739180
Commission Offices: CBK Pension Towers, 13th Floor, Harambee Avenue, Nairobi

The Commission noted that it may interview any member of the public who submits information and assured that such information will be treated confidentially.

Profile of the Court of Appeal Judge

Senior Counsel Katwa Kigen rose to prominence as a member of President William Ruto’s defence team at the International Criminal Court (ICC), where he played a role in the case that led to Ruto’s acquittal.

He currently serves as a Judge of the Court of Appeal, following his appointment on January 27, 2026, by President William Ruto.

Also Read: Ruto’s ICC Lawyer Among 15 Nominees for Judge of the Court of Appeal

Before his appointment, Kigen served as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya with over 30 years of legal practice.

Throughout his career, he has appeared before all levels of Kenyan courts and international tribunals, including the East African Court of Justice, the Sports Court in the United Kingdom, and the ICC.

He holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B Hons) from the University of Nairobi, as well as a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.

Notable Cases Handled by Kigen

Some of the high-profile cases Kigen has handled include:

Joshua Sang (ICC case) – Represented the radio journalist in a case arising from Kenya’s 2007/08 post-election violence.
Jacque Maribe – Successfully defended the former Citizen TV journalist in a murder trial, resulting in her acquittal due to insufficient evidence.
Henry Rotich (former Treasury CS) – Defended in the Ksh 63 billion Arror and Kimwarer corruption case, achieving a favourable outcome.
Pro bono police killings case – Represented families of victims allegedly murdered by police officers in a case that drew national and international attention.
Kericho Governor Erick Mutai (2025) – Served as lead counsel during impeachment proceedings, successfully challenging procedural irregularities and cross-examining witnesses to block the governor’s removal from office.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel and WhatsApp Community for Instant News Updates