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Kenyan Supreme Court Justice Mohamed Warsame sworn in as President also confers two new SCs
Following his nomination last week by the Judicial Services Commission after several interviews to fill the vacant Supreme Court of Kenya seat, Justice Mohammed Abdullahi Warsame was formally appointed by President William Ruto on Tuesday, and has now been sworn in at the State House in Nairobi.
Kenyan President William Ruto has expressed his confidence that Justice Mohammed Abdullahi Warsame’s ‘vast experience’ will make a positive impact on the Supreme Court of Kenya, after he presided over the swearing in of the new judge of Kenya’s apex court at an official ceremony at the State House in Nairobi.
“You have my full support and prayers as you begin this important chapter of service to our nation,” said Ruto, who formally appointed Justice Warsame via Gazette notice on Tuesday, 5 May 2026. Last week, the Judicial Services Commission nominated Justice Warsame, after interviewing five shortlisted candidates, to fill the vacancy that arose after the death of the late Justice Mohammed Kadhar Ibrahim.
The candidate interviews were conducted across 28-29 April 2026 at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi, as part of a lengthy process conducted in accordance with the Constitution and the Judicial Services Act, and were open to the public, with live broadcast coverage allowing anyone to follow the proceedings in real time.
The public interviews placed strong emphasis on integrity, with candidates examined on their ethics, past conduct, independence, and accountability. They were also assessed on legal expertise, fairness, sound judgment, and commitment to the rule of law. Justice Warsame distinguished himself across these areas, demonstrating the qualities required of a Supreme Court judge and earning the Commission’s confidence for appointment to the country’s highest court.
Justice Warsame had served as a Judge of the Court of Appeal of Kenya since 2012, following his elevation from the High Court, where he was appointed in 2003.
“Justice Warsame brings to the apex court distinguished judicial experience, unwavering integrity, and a deep commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law,” said Chief Justice Martha Koome, President of the Supreme Court of Kenya and the Chair of the Judicial Services Commission, earlier today. “I am confident that his service will further enrich the Court’s pursuit of justice for all Kenyans.”
Alongside Justice Warsame being sworn in for his new role with the Supreme Court of Kenya, President Ruto conferred Senior Counsel status on Evans Thiga Gaturu, who has been practising for five decades, and Jedidah Wakonyo Waruhiu, a seasoned human rights advocate. “I wish you both every success as you continue serving our great Republic in the advancement of justice, the rule of law, and the strengthening of constitutional democracy,” said the President.
Today’s proceedings at State House Nairobi were a significant moment in the continued strengthening of Kenya’s justice system, said Chief Justice Koome.
“As we celebrate these milestones, I reaffirm our collective duty to safeguard judicial independence, uphold the Constitution, and strengthen public confidence in the administration of justice. May this new chapter inspire even greater service to our Republic and to the enduring ideals of justice, fairness, and democracy.”