President Ruto Appoints Justice Mohamed Warsame To Supreme Court

President William Ruto has officially appointed Justice Mohamed Warsame to the Supreme Court of Kenya, filling the vacancy left by the late Justice Mohammed Ibrahim. The appointment was formalized in a Kenya Gazette notice dated May 5 and made public on May 6, following a recommendation by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on April 29.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 166 (1) (e) of the Constitution… I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya… appoint HON JUSTICE MOHAMED ABDULLAHI WARSAME to be Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya.”

The New Supreme Court Bench

With this appointment, the country’s highest court is now at full capacity. The bench consists of Chief Justice and President Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice and Vice President Philomena Mwilu, and Justices Smokin Wanjala, Isaac Lenaola, William Ouko, Njoki Ndung’u, and the newly appointed Mohamed Warsame.

A Distinguished Judicial Career

Justice Warsame joins the Supreme Court with over two decades of experience within the Kenyan judiciary. He has served as a Judge of the Court of Appeal since 2012. Before his elevation to the appellate court, he served on the High Court starting in 2003, where he presided over the Commercial and Criminal Divisions and oversaw the Judicial Review Division.

During his interview before the JSC, Warsame was specifically noted for maintaining a high case clearance rate. Chief Justice Martha Koome praised his performance, stating that he distinguished himself across all judicial areas and demonstrated the essential qualities required of a Supreme Court judge.

Potential Future Changes: The ICC Factor

While the bench is currently full, another vacancy could arise depending on international judicial elections. President Ruto recently nominated Justice Njoki Ndung’u as Kenya’s candidate for the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The elections for six new ICC judges are expected to take place during the 25th session of the Assembly of States Parties, scheduled for December 7 to 17, 2026, in New York. Justice Ndung’u is among the candidates from the African region vying for a seat at the global court. If she is successful in her bid, the JSC will be required to interview a new set of candidates to fill her position on the Supreme Court.