Ruto’s ICC Lawyer Shortlisted For Supreme Court Weeks After Appeal Court Appointment

By Fatuma Rashid

Senior Counsel Joseph Katwa Kigen has been shortlisted for interviews for the position of judge the Supreme Court.

The apex court determines presidential election petitions and settles major constitutional disputes.

He represented President William Ruto at the International Criminal Court, in the Hague, Netherlands.

The Judicial Service Commission said it received six applications for one vacancy on the apex bench.

In a notice dated February 25, 2026, the commission said the vacancy was advertised on January 27. Applications closed on February 17.

Justice Kigen was appointed and sworn in as a Judge of the Court of Appeal about a month ago.

Three months earlier, he was conferred with the rank of Senior Counsel, one of the highest honours in Kenya’s legal profession.

The JSC listed the other applicants as Justices Joseph Kiplagat Sergon, Warsame Abdullahi Mohammed and Francis Kipruto Tuiyott.

Also in the race are former IPOA Board Chair Anne Waceke Kiratu Makori and lawyer Lilian Wanjiku Wachira.

The Commission plans to undertake a stakeholder engagement on 23rd March, ahead of the shortlisting process and thereafter

“A notification of interview dates for shortlisted candidates and venue for the stakeholders meeting will be communicated,” the JSC said.

With only one slot available, the competition is expected to attract close public scrutiny.