Chief Justice Martha Koome has executed a reshuffle of the Judiciary, relocating 29 Court of Appeal Judges nationwide. This decision, conveyed to the Court of Appeal President Daniel Musinga, comes into effect on September 15. The changes are geared towards optimizing service delivery. The Chief Justice emphasized flexibility, mentioning the President of the Court can adjust benches according to workload needs.
Notable transfers comprise Justice Jesse Lessit, formerly in Mombasa, now allocated to the Nairobi Court of Appeal. Justices Patrick Kiage and Francis Tuiyott have transitioned from Kisumu to Nairobi. In contrast, Justices Hannah Okwengu and Hellen Omondi will move from Nairobi to Kisumu.
Nairobi’s Court of Appeal bench will now feature Justice Daniel Musinga, the Court’s President, joined by Justices Asike Makhandia, Kathurima Inoti, and Mumbi Ngugi.
Mombasa’s roster includes Justices Agnes Murgor, Dr. Kibaya Laibuta, and George Odunga, known for their constitutional case experience in Nairobi and Machakos. The Kisumu bench will have Justices Hannah Okwengu, Hellen Omondi, and Professor Joel Ngugi, all previously high court constitutional matter judges.
The revamped Nakuru Court of Appeal hosts Justices Fatuma Sichale, Fredrick Ochieng, and Weldon Korir. Nyeri’s bench will have Justices Jamila Mohammed, Wanjiru Karanja, Luka Kimaru, and Aggrey Muchelule.
The Court of Appeal’s second civil bench comprises Justices Gatembu Kar, Francis Tulyott, Jessie Lesit, and Grace Ngenye, while the third civil bench will include Justices M. Warsame, S. Ole Kantal, Pauline Nyamweya, John Mativo, and Paul Gachoka. Lastly, the Criminal bench of the Court of Appeal will be staffed by Justices Patrick Kiage, Abida Ali-Aroni, and Lydia Achode.