Eyes are now on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) after it shortlisted five candidates to battle for a coveted seat of the Supreme Court judge, sharpening focus on integrity, merit and public scrutiny.
The commission on Friday published a public notice naming the five contenders who will face interviews in late April, after receiving six applications for the single vacancy.
The position fell vacant following the death of Justice Mohamed Ibrahim in December 2025, leaving the apex court short of its full complement at a critical time ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Those shortlisted are four serving judges—Joseph Kiplagat Sergon (High Court), and Court of Appeal judges Mohammed Warsame, Katwa Kigen and Francis Kipruto Tuiyott—and advocate Anne Waceke Kiratu Makori.
Lawyer Lilian Wanjiku Wachira, who had applied, did not make the final cut after the commission reviewed applications for completeness and compliance with advertised requirements.
The shortlisting follows a stakeholder engagement forum convened earlier this week, where professional bodies, civil society and religious groups gave views on the qualities expected of the next Supreme Court judge.
The JSC said the recruitment followed an open call issued on January 28, with applications closing on February 17, underscoring its commitment to a transparent and competitive process.
“The commission shortlisted five candidates for the post of Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya,” the notice states, signalling the next decisive phase in the appointment process.
Interviews will be conducted in two days at the end of April, with Ms Makori appearing first on April 28 at 9am, followed by Justice Katwa at 11am and Justice Sergon at 2pm.
On April 29, Justice Tuiyott will be interviewed at 9am, before Justice Warsame takes the final slot at 11am.
The commission has invited members of the public to submit any information of interest regarding the candidates, strengthening the constitutional requirement for public participation in judicial appointments.
“Members of the public are invited to avail in writing any information of interest in respect to any of the shortlisted candidates,” the notice reads.
It added that any person who submits information may be interviewed, with assurances that all submissions will be treated confidentially.
The five applicants bring a blend of long-serving judicial experience and distinguished legal practice, spanning the High Court, Court of Appeal and public service.
Justice Joseph Kiplagat Sergon has served as a High Court judge since 2002, while Justice Mohammed Warsame has handled major constitutional and commercial disputes at both the High Court and Court of Appeal and previously served on the JS.
Mr Warsame joined the Judiciary in 2003 as a High Court judge before his elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2012. Justice Katwa Kigen joined the Court of Appeal in 2026 after private practice, including representing President William Ruto at the ICC.
Justice Francis Tuiyott joined the Judiciary in 2011 when he was appointed a High Court judge, serving in the Commercial and Tax Division before his elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2021. Previously, he served as chairman of the Sugar Arbitration Tribunal between 2010 and 2011.
Ms Anne Waceke Kiratu Makori, a former IPOA chair, brings extensive experience in public service, litigation and corporate governance.
The recruitment has attracted heightened public interest due to the Supreme Court’s central role in resolving presidential election disputes and interpreting constitutional questions.
Under the Constitution, the commission must ensure that judicial appointments meet strict standards on integrity, competence and suitability, anchored in Chapter Six on leadership and integrity.
Background checks are conducted in collaboration with key agencies, including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Kenya Revenue Authority.
The JSC also consults professional bodies such as the Law Society of Kenya and reviews any complaints raised by the public before final interviews.
In previous recruitments, adverse reports have led to candidates withdrawing or being dropped before interviews, highlighting the weight of public scrutiny in the process.
The successful candidate will help restore the Supreme Court to its full seven-member bench, strengthening its capacity to handle complex constitutional and electoral disputes.
The commission reiterated that it is an equal opportunity employer and will select the best candidate through a fair and open competition.
