Senior KDF Officer Among 24 Nominees for High Court Judge Position

A senior officer in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is among 24 candidates nominated for appointment as High Court judges by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

Colonel Joseph Kipkoech Biomdo, who currently serves as a legal officer and Defence Court Martial administrator at the Ministry of Defence, was interviewed for the position on February 5, 2026.

The JSC said the nominations were guided by constitutional principles including merit, integrity, fairness, gender equity, inclusivity and regional balance.

“Each candidate was assessed on professional competence, communication skills, integrity, legal experience and commitment to the rule of law and constitutionalism,” the commission said.

If appointed, the number of High Court judges will rise from 91 to 115, with the nominees expected to assume office upon formal appointment by President William Ruto.

Legal Experience of the KDF Officer

Colonel Biomdo brings nearly two decades of legal experience spanning military, government and international assignments.

He holds a Master of Laws from the University of Nairobi and was admitted to the Roll of Advocates in 2007.

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Over the years, he has served in various roles within the KDF, including as a legal officer and senior legal advisor, and has also worked with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

He previously served as Director of Legal Services at the now-defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services and has participated in regional peacekeeping and monitoring missions.

Interest in Joining the Judiciary

During his interview, Biomdo told the commission that his interest in joining the Judiciary dates back to his postgraduate studies, where he focused on the enforcement of the right to a fair trial without undue delay.

“My lord, I have a passion in service delivery, and this can be demonstrated from my long years of service,” he said.

He added that his academic work shaped his commitment to improving access to justice, particularly in ensuring timely judicial processes.

In the interview, Biomdo also demonstrated his understanding of constitutional law, particularly on the application of rights to members of the military.

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He noted that while the Bill of Rights applies to all Kenyans, certain freedoms may be limited for KDF personnel under Article 24 of the Constitution in the interest of national security.

“These include the right to privacy, freedom of association, political rights and some rights of arrested persons,” he explained.

On a hypothetical case involving a former KDF officer seeking compensation for such limitations, Biomdo indicated that courts must balance individual rights with constitutional provisions allowing lawful restrictions during military service.

Other nominees

Other candidates nominated by the Judicial Service Commission include Robinson Ondieki Kebabe, Roseline Akinyi Oganyo, Paul Kipkosgei Rotich and Joyce Mkambe Gandani, alongside Joseph Maloba Were, Dickson Odhiambo Onyango, Alex Kimanzi Ithuku and Martha Wanzila Mutuku.

The list also features Benard Wafula Murunga, Francis Nyungu Kyambia, Letizia Muthoni Wachira Rwiga and Kennedy Lenkamai Kandet, as well as Richard Kipkemoi Koech, Emmanuel Omondi Bitta, David Wanjohi Mburu and Dominic Kipkemoi Rono. Others are Winnie Narasha Molonko, Judith Chelangat Mutai, Anne Mary Auma Okutoyi, Abdi Mohamud Hassan, Nabil Mokaya Orina, Patricia Naeku Leparashao and Catherine Akaigwa Kassim.

The nominations form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the Judiciary and address case backlog through increased judicial capacity.

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Photo of Colonel Joseph Kipkoech Biomdo during an interview for the High Court judge position by the Judicial Service Commission. PHOTO/PCS